Immersive Access to Amazonian Paleontology: Photorealistic Design and Virtual Deployment at a Public University in Brazil

• Letícia L. A. da Silva Acre Federal Institute http://orcid.org/0009-0003-2947-1711
• Carlos D'Apolito Federal University of Grande Dourados https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1602-0201
• Victor A. Vieira Acre Federal Institute https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4351-5958

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/ihc_estendido.2025.12847

Abstract

Introduction: The closure of a paleontological museum in the Brazilian Amazon disrupted educational activities and access to fossil collections. Objective: To ensure continuity, the UFAC Virtual Museum of Paleontology was developed as an accessible, immersive alternative. Methodology or Steps: Fossils were digitized by photogrammetry, optimized, and integrated into Unity via the Spatial Creator Toolkit, enabling web, mobile, and VR access. Results: The platform supports collaborative exploration, has been adopted in courses with positive engagement, and already surpassed a thousand visits. Future steps include usability testing and expansion of the fossil collection.

Keywords: Virtual museum, Photogrammetry, Virtual reality, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital heritage

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