Odesa Museum Creates 3D Model of Historic Catacombs for Research

Employees of the Odesa Archaeological Museum and specialists of the NGO "Archaica" have partially digitized and will create a 3D model of a separate location of the catacombs located at 33 Rozumovska Street.

This was reported by Intent.

The researchers recently visited the catacombs museum to model one of the locations. It is interesting because there is nothing modern there - the columns that support the vaults are of the nineteenth century. Unlike other locations in the museum, where everything is made to look like a shelter.

According to guide Dmytro Panchenko, the 3D model will be important for maps of the catacombs and will also popularize this tourist attraction "so that visitors will want to see it all with their own eyes."

Photo: Intent

Oksana Hrytsiuta, head of the exhibition department of the Odesa Archaeological Museum, described the technical aspects of digitization.

"3D filming in caves where there is no electricity and it is impossible to connect high-quality lighting is an interesting experience," says the scientist. "We are finding out in which mode the equipment can work. The task is to develop a technology for filming in the dark."

According to Hrytsiuta, this is another historical source for researchers who cannot come to Odesa and study the caves. In her opinion, 3D can become "a source for writing scientific research on history, geology, and other fields."

Archaeologist and co-author of the "Archaica" projects Simon Radchenko says that it is necessary to study how the bombing by the Russian army affects the catacombs.

"This is a heritage that will not leave Odesa. It is immovable, it cannot be evacuated, and it is impossible to really protect it. We do not understand very well what is happening there now," the expert is concerned. - "There is no accurate and adequate display of what the catacombs look like. We need monitoring."

In order to start a long-term monitoring process, digital solutions can be implemented.

"Besides, an accurate plan is always good. And 3D is spectacular. I've never been to the catacombs, and it fascinates me. So I'm really looking forward to seeing the model," admits the expert on digital technologies in archaeology.

Earlier, Intent reported that the Odesa Archaeological Museum of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, together with representatives of the NGO "Archaica," will digitize and create 3D models of Egyptian artifacts, Cypriot sculpture, and exhibits from Samarkand within a month. The south of Ukraine - Crimea and Odesa region - will also be represented.

In addition, it is planned to digitize the museum building, an architectural monument of national importance. All this information will be posted on the website and social media. This way, it will be possible to see and continue studying artifacts that cannot be seen because of the war.

Ната Чернецька