Virtual Cilicia Project: How to Use Google Earth as a Visualization Environment in an Archaeological Context.

Over the past few years, archaeology has experienced a rapid development in geophysical
prospection and remote sensing techniques. At the same time, the focus of archaeological
research has shifted to landscape development and human interaction. To impart the
results, new methods and techniques are necessary. Virtual globes such as Google Earth
offer fascinating methods of giving interested amateurs the possibility to interactively
explore ancient cities and landscapes. Thanks to the increasing usage of GIS in cultural
heritage, the implementation of interactive three dimensional learning opportunities
becomes less and less tedious, but the non-linear narrative story telling medium demands
for a special adaption of the content. This paper summarizes the experience gained during
the realization of the “Virtual Cilicia Project” and outlines the future potential of virtual
globes in the field of cultural heritage.