- Replace Pokemon with holograms of actors from Smøla

When the municipality of Smøla presents the island’s history and various cultural relics, they have chosen to use groundbreaking new technology.

Leyla Skaret is the general manager of Gurisenteret in Smøla. Photo: Frode Sunde/TV 2

– We tried to inform ourselves of what is happening. We don’t write with pen and ink, we write with new technology when we tell the story, says Laila Skarrett, General Manager of Gurisenteret.

New here is the use of 3D technology, where you can use your own phone and an app to experience history in a whole new way.

The so-called AR technology is not very different from what you see in Pokemon Go, but here are real mobile actors. Actors not only talk to you, but you can also study historical finds in 3D.

The most famous augmented reality experience is Pokemon Go, and we’ve replaced the Pokemon with holograms of actors from Smøla, says Peder Børresen of the company that developed the new app.

Mobile: Peder Børresen actor Bjørn Ivar Hannasvik shows via mobile how cultural relics and holograms are integrated into reality. Photo: Frode Sunde/TV 2

– Smola has some totally unique cultural treasures, and one of the problems is that they are hidden and hidden. Edøystjerna which is located here underground. Using modern augmented reality technology, audiences can experience these cultural treasures as if they were suspended in the air right in front of them, Bursen explains.

With an app on your phone, you can access the holograms of the actors. It is recorded in front of a green wall, and with the help of advanced 3D technology, it can appear seemingly in real life.

AR-technology

Augmented Reality (AR), often called augmented reality in Norwegian. that it Technique Which combines data from the physical world with virtual data, for example using graphics and sound. You get an extra layer of information. Additional information will not usually replace reality, but rather expand it in one way or another.

new and pioneering

Although holograms have been used before, the method they use in the newly developed app is completely new. On Saturday, October 9, people can test this for themselves for the first time.

This is the first time that volumetric video has been used in Norway. Below are 3D images of people telling these stories, explains proud Børresen.

Holograms: Smøla uses a new technology to display history and cultural attractions. The 3D-enabled app provides a revolutionary experience. These are screenshots of the app. Photo: Peder Børresen / Holocap

Holograms: Smøla uses new technology to present history and cultural attractions. The 3D-enabled app provides a revolutionary experience. These are screenshots of the app. — Holograms: Smøla uses a new technology to display history and cultural attractions. The 3D-enabled app provides a revolutionary experience. These are screenshots of the app. Photo: Peder Børresen / Holocap

Want to reach the youth

Leyla Skarit at Gurisenteret does not hide the fact that the desire to reach new generations is one of the main goals of the new initiative.

– We believe and note that it appeals to young people. And if we want to include young people in the team, and they will be interested in our history, then we think we should use the new technology.

On the same day we get a demo of the new app, students in grade 10 at Smøla School will also be guinea pigs.

– It’s tough, says John Peder Cruz. – Now we can see what it looks like below here.

Seeing it on the phone is much nicer than seeing it on a label or paper, says Vigaard Roxvig Badnes.

Youth: Vegard Roksvåg Baadnes investigates cultural relics using his mobile phone, while son Ermili Sorley and John Peder Cruz follow with excitement. Photo: Frode Sunde/TV 2

– I think it would have been nice to see the Viking ship from so many angles instead of on a poster. It gets more real because you realize it was a huge ship that was here. The app helps you so you can see it from many angles and search through it. Ermili Sorley’s son explains that it feels like you’re there.

Cultural landmarks moved

Heidi Rognskog Mella - Project Manager — Heidi Rognskog Mella – Project Director Photo: Frode Sunde / TV 2

Cultural relics are not only hidden underground in Smøla, but some have also been moved to museums in other parts of the country. They have now been able to “bring” the attractions home using their cell phones.

Cultural relics are objects in the Science Museum in Trondheim or in the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. We can’t have it and we can view it here in Smøla, so 3D technology is very useful for us, says project manager Heidi Rognskog Mella.

Viking ship: Magne Aandal Pettersen, an actor and archaeologist, indicates where Edøy's ship was buried. — Viking ship: Magne Aandal Pettersen, an actor and archaeologist, indicates where Edøy’s ship was buried. Photo: Frode Sunde/TV 2

immortalized

Actors who are now digitized have nothing against having a new digital life. Magne Aandal Pettersen is an actor and archaeologist, and admits that although he loves old things, this gives a new experience.

– What lies behind us here is Edøy’s ship. Previously, you could only read about it on such a panel, but now you can see it in 3D. So you can simply get a little closer to it, which is great, says the archaeologist.