Volcano Eruption in VR : Interactive Experience at Lesvos Geopark

Assignment: Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest
Client: Aegean Solutions
Our Role: Subcontractor
Program: Operational Program “North Aegean 2014–2020”, MIS Code 5031695
Location: Lesvos – UNESCO Global Geopark
Year of Implementation: 2024

Virtual Reality Application (VR) – Vatousa Volcano, Lesvos

An interactive experience of culture, technology, and geoscience

As part of the project “Development and operation of digital applications for the promotion of the geo-monuments of the Lesvos Geopark – UNESCO Global Geopark”, we designed and developed an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) application aimed at highlighting the island’s volcanic activity and geological history.

The application allows visitors to experience the volcanic eruption of Vatousa in real time, from multiple viewing angles, by selecting various virtual cameras within the environment. The experience is delivered through Oculus Quest, offering a wireless, comfortable, and immersive interaction—without the need for an external computer.

Interactive Elements and Educational Features

The application goes beyond simply watching the eruption. Users have the ability to:

• Select and switch between multiple camera angles (from aerial views to ground-level perspectives) to observe the event from different vantage points.
• Click on fossilized tree trunks scattered throughout the environment to zoom in, rotate, and explore them in detail.
• Access scientific information for each element through concise descriptions and verified data provided by the museum’s research team

Educational Value & User Experience

The experience is designed to:

• Enhance environmental and geological education, particularly for students and younger visitors.
• Promote experiential learning by connecting users with the landscape, history, and natural phenomena
• Support the preservation of cultural and natural heritage through the use of cutting-edge technology.