A couple of years ago VRFocus reported on CyArk, a non-profit organisation that was digitally mapping historic locations around the world before they’re lost forever through war, climate change and development. Today, CyArk has announced a collaboration with Oculus on an app called MasterWorks: Journey Through History, allowing Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR owners to visit some of the sites.
MasterWorks: Journey Through History will feature four historic landmarks from around the world, across three continents. You’ll be able to explore the Mesa Verde cave dwellings in Colorado, US; wander the underground tunnels of the Chavin de Huantar pre-Incan temple in Peru; discover the ancient capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya; and the monumental stone carvings of Mt Rushmore in South Dakota, US.
Through Lidar scanning, photogrammetry and drone footage CyArk has built fully rendered environments that are completely explorable. Additionally, CyArk have added an interactive element where you can collect artifacts and learn from archaeologists and scientists as you unravel the mysteries of who built these amazing places and learn about the challenges they face today in a rapidly changing climate.
MasterWorks: Journey Through History is set to launch via Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR’s respective stores on 15th February, 2018. If CyArk plan on expanding the experience and add more locations VRFocus will let you know.