IV. CONCLUDING REMARKS
The main scope of this paper was to attempt to exploit the realistic 3D models produced using Geomatics techniques, such as laser scanning or, mainly, image based techniques employing computer vision algorithms to produce photogrammetric results.
For that purpose a composite Serious Game application was developed using existing 3D models or constructed on purpose.
Emphasis was given to the techniques, requirements and difficulties of producing these models and useful details were presented along with the difficulties encountered while attempting to introduce these heavy 3D models into the game environment.
Sometimes it is impossible to manage 3D models created with ToF laser scanners, because of their huge file size.
This happens because these models have far more points; on the other hand they are more accurate and more detailed than the 3D models taken e.g. from the 3D warehouse library.
So it is advisable to lower the wealth of the information but only to a level that will not affect realism and detail useful for the educational purposes of the game.
3D models created with Image Based Modelling techniques are more manageable because they usually have smaller file sizes than the laserscanner ones. However, these models can represent reality equally well as TLS models and they can be really useful in Serious Games applications.
The application was designed in such a way that the player can be informed and educated about distinct elements about a specific monument or the site, while at the same time being able to freely navigate and perform a virtual visit.
Realistic 3D models were introduced into the game engine and the various problems were confronted and solved, bearing in mind the finalappeal to the user.
The Game application remains to be evaluated by various groups of users.
It is hoped that these results will be published in the future.
However, it has been proposed that 3D modelling methods can represent the reality and can give more realistic and close
to the reality results which is very important for developing educational applications.
This remains to be validated and further investigations to this end are already underway.
Moreover, the application will be enhanced and extended to include other monuments of the Ancient Athenian Agora.