New Directions for Cultural Virtual Reality: a Global Strategy for Archiving Serving and Exhibiting 3D Computer Model of Cultural Heritage Sites

International audienceIn the past decade, the application of 3D computer technology to cultural heritage has been widely accepted by archaeologists, architectural historians, and cultural authorities. This paper argues that the field of virtual heritage now faces two challenges: campanilismo, or the privileging of local heritage over global heritage; and the lack of preservation. A solution is proposed for both problems: creation of a world virtual heritage center and network with the missions of collecting, maintaining, and distributing computer models of cultural heritage sites; and of or ganizing exhibitions of virtual heritage on global themes