Microsoft India Digital Heritage Project

Microsoft Research India is running the India Digital Heritage Project in an effort to collect, store and share data on architectural sites and stimulate research in visualization, computer vision, graphics and related fields.

Microsoft Research India’s Advanced Development and Prototyping Team has completed a pilot prototype for the Sri Andal Temple in Srivilliputtur, Tamil Nadu powered by the Photosynth and HDView technologies, to create a virtual representation of the South-Indian landmark which enables users to walk through the premises of the temple, observing the vivid courtyards, murals and pillars that lie within.

<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-US&#038;playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:3bd42ab0-8cf3-4c1a-9526-76dae0e20882&#038;showPlaylist=true&#038;from=msnvideo" target="_new" title="India Digital Heritage Project: Sri Andal Temple">Video: India Digital Heritage Project: Sri Andal Temple</a>

Users may choose to follow a ‘guided-tour’ where a narrator explains the historical and cultural importance of what is being viewed. In order to enhance the experience, giving it a ‘real-life’ effect, ambient sounds of pujas, birds and natural surroundings have been built into the system.

The India Digital Heritage Project, is a collaboration of Microsoft Research India with the Department of Science and Technology and various academic and industry research organizations.