Digital reconstruction revives WWI battlefield in Belgium
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Archaeologists in Belgium digitally recreated Hill 80, a German fortress and trench system from World War I, before a housing development covered the site.
In 2018, the Dig Hill 80 project, funded by crowdfunding, excavated the area near Wijtschate and found trenches, shelters, artifacts, and human remains dating from 1917 to 1918.
The team from Virginia Tech’s Applied Research in Immersive Experiences and Simulations (ARIES) used documentation from the dig, including high-resolution photos and 3D scans, to build an interactive digital model of the battlefield. The project aimed to go beyond a traditional archaeological database by creating a publicly accessible experience that links discoveries to their original locations. Researchers carefully considered how to present sensitive materials like human remains with respect.
They combined different data types to create an immersive environment that shows not only what was found, but also where it was located within the excavated area. ARIES staff and students worked for years to adapt and optimize the large volume of data for online access, balancing scientific accuracy with user experience. The digital reconstruction will allow people to virtually explore the site and learn about the experiences of soldiers who fought there.
The platform is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2026, preserving Hill 80’s history after construction finishes.
