Re-creating real places – as distinct from virtual spaces or environments – using virtual reality
technology raises a series of significant challenges. Fortunately there is a large body of
existing research into the experience of place which might reasonably contribute to our
understanding of the task. This paper reviews key aspects of the ‘place’ literature, relates
them to the concept of presence, and then illustrates their application in the context of virtual
reality. We conclude that some modification of existing theories of sense of place is necessary
for this context and outline proposals for further work.