The pilot project is of the ancient city of Bilar. It's called Tarikh (meaning “history” in Tatar).
Virtual reconstruction of the cultural heritage of Middle Volga region has been a specialization of Kazan University for a while. IT and Non-Destructive Methods of Cultural Objects Exploration Lab at the Institute of International Relations, History, and Oriental Studies works on the methods of non-invasive digital studying of archeological objects. This is in line with the latest trends in world science.
Tarikh is not the first joint work by Digital Media Lab and Samruh Creative Group. For example, they are currently wrapping up their work on an educational game called Bolghar XIV. In this game a player will put himself in the shoes of a medieval traveler in Bolghar.
The tandem's other projects include Tetyushi VII Interactive Museum, Sviyazhsk Island City, Interactive Museum of Kazan, VDNKh Sports Facility, and History of Kazan Kremlin.
Head of Samruh Group Artur Nabiullin thinks that the two companies have serious international potential. The main attraction of Tarikh, says he, is its remote control interface (a la Playstation Move or Microsoft Kinect).
- We use advanced video game technologies in our projects, - says Mr. Nabiullin. – Stereo imaging helps users immerse themselves deeply into historical entourage.
The remote control technology used in this particular case is called Leap Motion.
- There is a specific screenplay idea for every trailer, every object is chosen because of its historical value.
Our employees dig through a vast array of scientific data. Historical description help us recreate the building precisely.
We have strict quality control, scrupulously follow our stylistic choices because everything placed in museums must be suited for long-term use.
The project drew eyeballs of the powers that be in Tatarstan. President of the Republic ordered for Tarikh software to be installed in the historical museums of Bolghar and Sviyazhsk.
The teams also work on The Book of Peace – an animation project in five parts; the teaser is available here.