University of Vigo Researchers Lead the Development of Immersive Experiences for the Camino de Santiago in the European Project 3DBigDataSpace

Researchers Silvia García Méndez and Francisco de Arriba Pérez will serve as Principal Investigators (PIs) for the European project 3DBigDataSpace, representing the University of Vigo and assuming full responsibility for its proper execution. Both are experts in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and have extensive experience in the design of accessible mobile applications.

Their main task within the UVigo work package will focus on developing 3D and 4D location-based experiences to guide pilgrims along the routes of the Camino de Santiago, creating an augmented reality-enriched environment for this world-renowned cultural route.

Building a European Ecosystem of High-Quality 3D Content

The 3DBigDataSpace project addresses one of the major challenges faced by XR/3D applications: the low and inconsistent quality of available 3D content. By aggregating data from a wide range of providers, the project aims to significantly expand the availability of high-quality 3D assets for cultural heritage and store them in a stable, long-term infrastructure across Europe.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, the project will enhance the searchability, contextualization, and personalized reuse of this content. AI tools will also enable the automatic processing, analysis, and enrichment of models, which will be embedded with metadata descriptors and optimized for fast loading and mobile compatibility, particularly for use in AR/VR headsets and 4D apps.

The system will be tested in museums, heritage routes, and local trails, and will be accompanied by educational and outreach activities, enabling broad access and use of the project outcomes by cultural institutions and the general public.

A Strong International Consortium

Coordinated by Time Machine Organisation (Australia), the project brings together a diverse and prestigious consortium of European partners:

• Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (Germany)
• In2 Digital Innovations GmbH (Germany)
• Stichting Europeana (The Netherlands)
• Inception Srl and Fondazione Bruno Kessler (Italy)
• Rooom AG (Germany)
• The Hunt Museum (Ireland)
• Instytut Chemii Bioorganicznej PAN (Poland)
• University of Vigo (Spain)
• Associated partners: CRUSOE (Spain) and European Historic Houses (Belgium)

European Funding

The project has a total budget of €1,944,091.56, of which €972,045.78 will be funded by the European Union.

The researchers at the University of Vigo are available for interviews and additional information, and are committed to disseminating the progress and impact of this initiative, which aims to revolutionize the way cultural heritage is accessed and experienced across Europe.