Immersivity is one of the main features of high quality Virtual Reality
experiences. Indeed, much attention has been recently devoted to immersive
technologies mainly as a consequence of the widespread adoption of Virtual
Reality headsets. Seldomly the term "immersive" is used today to make
reference to Augmented Reality technologies. This happens mainly because of
the limitation of current AR displays. The talk addresses the concepts of
immersivity and presence in the valorization of Cultural Heritage sites by
means of advanced Augmented Reality technologies. Specifically, we discuss a
work in progress project that employs an immersive Augmented Reality soluion
for the valorization of one of the most important monuments in Rome, the Ara
Pacis. Hosted in a beautiful building designed by Richard Meyer, Ara Pacis
is the symbol of the power exerted by the Augustean lineage across the Roman
Empire. The Ara Pacis Augmented Reality solution is developed by ETT in
collaboration with Inglobe Technologies for Zetema. It is a first of a kind
project based on a unique feature of the ARmedia SDK, namely the support for
large scale 3D Object Recognition and Tracking by means of Immersive Virtual
Reality Displays - such as the Samsung Gear-VR. The solution allows to
navigate thorugh the different POIs of the momunent. Each POI is a gateway
to an immersive AR experience that leverages 3D object recognition and
tracking to provide visitors with information related to digital
reconstructions - both in terms of architecture and socio-historical meaning
- of the monument. Large FOV, precision of 3D Tracking, accuracy of CG
overlays and personalization of experience are just some of the takeaways of
the solution.