3D Virtual Museum of Ancient Monuments

3D Virtual Museum of Ancient Monuments is a unique competition that combines technology with cultural preservation. This initiative aims to create digital 3D reconstructions of India's magnificent temples and monuments, ensuring that our rich cultural heritage is preserved for future generations through cutting-edge photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques.

By participating in this competition, you contribute to a larger mission of documenting and preserving India's architectural marvels while learning about advanced technologies in the process.

How to Participate

1📝 Registration

Registration Form
Register your team and select your monument during the registration period
This allows us to add the monument to our website and avoid duplicates
Registration period: 22nd September - 6th October 2025
Limited to 50 teams (First come, first served)
You will receive confirmation by 10th October 2025

2📸 Capture Photographs

Walk around the monument or temple with 30–60% overlap between images
Ideal time: morning or late afternoon, avoid harsh shadows or low light
Capture details (carvings, steps, domes, inscriptions)
🛸 Using a Drone? Ensure local drone rules are followed
Use grid or circular path, capture both top-down and angled views

                📅 Best Time for Photography:
                Golden Hours: Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM)
Avoid: Harsh midday sunlight (10 AM - 3 PM) which creates strong shadows
Avoid: Very low light conditions or night photography
Weather: Slightly overcast conditions can provide even lighting

            

Walk around the monument or temple with 30–60% overlap between consecutive images
Capture multiple angles: ground level, elevated positions, and close-up details
Focus on architectural details (carvings, steps, domes, inscriptions, pillars)
Take systematic photos covering all sides of the structure
Use consistent camera settings throughout the shoot

🛸 Drone Photography Guidelines:

Legal Compliance: Check Digital Sky Platform for permissions
Registration: Ensure your drone is registered with DGCA if required
No-Fly Zones: Verify the monument is not in a restricted area
Permissions: Obtain necessary permissions from local authorities and monument management
Flight Pattern: Use systematic grid or circular paths
Altitude: Capture from multiple heights (20m, 50m, 100m)
Safety: Maintain visual line of sight and follow all safety protocols

3✍️ Share the Story

Provide name, location, and description of the monument
Add legends, symbolism, or unique features
Include historical significance and cultural importance

4📤 Upload Your Contribution

Visit the portal: https://smlab.niser.ac.in/project/tirtha/
Login via your email address
Upload your images + story
Submit & receive confirmation

🏆 Prizes & Recognition

Top 3 contributors get 3D-printed replicas of their monument
Winning entries will be showcased on the Tirtha portal
Our team reconstructs 3D mesh using your images
Models are cleaned, refined, and prepared for AR/VR
Contributors receive thank-you emails and credits

📊 Evaluation Criteria

Photo quality & coverage

40%

Cultural/historical significance

20%

Architectural detail captured

20%

Visual clarity of final model

20%

📅 Important Dates

                Registration Start: 22nd September 2025
Registration End: 12th October 2025
Confirmation: 13th October 2025
Submission Period: 13th October - 30th November 2025
Final Reconstructions and Judgement Period: 1st December -  11th December 2025
Winners Announcement: 12th December 2025

            

Note: Limited to 50 teams (First come, first served)