I am excited that we get to 3D modeling this week as I think it is an incredibly powerful and appealing tool. Since I intend on using Digital Humanities for archaeology, I believe that 3d imaging and modeling is a great way of bringing the past back to life. Some good examples might be an app called Sites in 3D which is a collected system of images from mosques, tombs, palaces, and other areas from around Western Asia and Europe. Digital Roman Forum is also a good learning tool as well as any video game which utilizes 3D imaging. Even as children playing Sims building and creating in the digital world has always been appealing. In cases for archaeology I have done 3D scanning of artifacts as well as 3d photography where pictures are taken from every angle and compiled in a computer so that the artifact can constantly rotate and pose a new view.
I appreciate digital recreations because it gives an interactive method of learning for visual learners. It is far better to see something in person than to read about it in a book and since we cannot take people to other countries to learn, it is necessary to bring the places to them. In the models, data can even be built in to create interaction with the certain parts of the model where texts or media can pop up. This is why I think video games are so appealing to the current generation. Just as “Meaning in Motion” states, these projects can be incorporated into larger databases like Google Earth to be utilized by the general public. Another example of this would be Digital Karnak which is incorporated into Google Earth and geocoded over the site itself. Included are 3D models of each building and a timeline that when altered, shows each building being constructed or moved. On the website itself you can take tours through the models and view the architecture as it was in the time of its creation (as interpreted by archaeologists).
In my opinion, there is a large future to this sort of work especially in the way of education. To younger students who are unable to read, 3D models will also create a attraction to learning and a desire to interact with worlds other than the one immediately around them. While nothing may ever take away from the necessity of reading, viewing places and objects in whole, visually will help to create a better and more comprehensive study.