3D Visualization of the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu Enclosures in Northern Vietnam

Summary

This is an abstract from the "The Current State of Archaeological Research across Southeast Asia" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century and is now the core area of the Trang An UNESCO world heritage site. In collaboration with Dr.Thuy, we focus on the visualization of Hoa Lu enclosures. Oral traditions, illustrations, and archaeological evidence of the ring-based walls provide an insight into the architectural practices of the ancient capital, resembling the defensible architecture of the Forbidden City and other Vietnamese royal centers. We seek to explore two primary wall systems of Hoa Lu using 3D modeling software and LiDAR data. Integral part of the research explores the utility of an advanced architect software LUMION to create and observe Hoa Lu in 3D. This research aims to bridge the gap between historical research and modern technologies, as we attempt to utilize historically accurate colors and textures on the enclosures. Local managers are implementing a comprehensive heritage management plan in Hoa Lu. The first-ever modeling of the ancient capital relics based on the latest research results will help managers easily plan for heritage conservation. These models will also help tourists visualize and access more easily a large-scale heritage site that is more than 1,000 years old.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• The Current State of Archaeological Research across Southeast Asia

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 53103