Roman Trails - On the Trail of the Romans in the Weinviertel Region and in South Moravia

The “Roman Trails” project focuses on the digital and interactive presentation of Roman cultural landscapes north of the Danube, in the regions of Weinviertel (AT) and South Moravia (CZ). The aim is to develop thematic routes, 3D reconstructions, and digital mediation formats to make the Roman presence in the area more visible and accessible.

• The contractor has academic archaeologists on its staff who are specialized in the Roman archaeology of the region north of the Danube in Austria and Czechia and who will oversee the commissioned tasks on a scientific level.
   
• The contractor has the technical know-how according to the current state of the art, which is relevant for the fulfilment of the tasks listed below.
   
• The contractor shall provide all equipment required to fulfil the tasks listed below.

1. Overall Concept

• Review of the current state of research on Roman presence north of the Danube (with focus on the Weinviertel in AT and Moravia in CZ). Scientific evaluation of the existing archaeological data, (re)interpretation of the archaeological complexes and finds, and, if necessary, carrying out new archaeological research and collecting new archaeological data for a reliable interpretation.
   
• Based on this, development of an overall concept for digital and interactive presentation of Roman presence north of the Danube with regard to a concept of 8 thematic routes in the Weinviertel-Moravia region.
   
• Selection (in coordination with client and project partners) of at least 8 suitable archaeological (sub-)landscapes for digital presentation. Thematic focus on the Roman presence north of the Danube and along the Roman marching routes from Carnuntum and Vienna through the Marchfeld to Moravia.
   

Milestone 1: Selection list based on current research and taking into account the overall concept for Storyline (deadline: December 2025)

2. 3D Models: archaeological (Sub-)Landscapes 

• Brief descriptions (profiles) of at least 8 archaeological (sub-)landscapes and allocation in geodatabase for later implementation on site using QR code queries.
   
• Virtual reconstructions of the selected Roman buildings, landscapes or sites using digital 3D models.
  Requirements:
   ◽  Modeling using laser scan data (OGD) or new uLFZ/“drone” flights and merging in a geographic information system
   ◽  Integration of the models into the real terrain relief
   ◽  High level of detail in 3D geometry and texture of the Roman landscape sections for the most immersive experience possible
   ◽  Findings from the reconstruction process are documented as metadata in a geodatabase so that they can be discussed in the fact sheets on the reconstructed landscapes
   ◽  Technical implementation taking into account the implementation capability in existing applications
   ◽  Visualization of the 3D content via common web viewers and applications that can be embedded as easily as possible in existing software, especially for mobile devices. Accessible in the respective application via QR codes

Milestone 2: 3D models & associated profiles (deadline: December 2026)

3. Video Material

• Video material from the digitization and reconstruction processes, which can be used by the commission for promotional and educational videos.
   
• Creation of 8 video clips on the work processes during digitization and virtual reconstruction and the historical classification of the Roman presence north of the Danube.
   

Milestone 3: Video material & video clips (successively until April 2027)

4. Roman Trails - technical Implementation

• Content and technical conception of 6 themed trails (Roman Trails) in the Weinviertel-Mähren region in cooperation with the clients.
   
• Conversion of the Roman Trails into digital geo-referenced routes that can be implemented in existing (hiking) apps. Technical implementation taking into account the implementation capability in existing mobile (hiking) applications (e.g. Outdooractive) and tourism websites (e.g. https://www.weinviertel.at/wandern-im-weinviertel).
   
• Design of analog maps of the Roman Trails.
   
• Design, production and implementation of at least 30 information boards along the Roman Trails.
   

Milestone 4: Visualization material (analogue and digital maps, video material) (deadline: May 2027)
Milestone 5: Information boards installed on site for the Roman Trails (deadline: May 2027)

5. Public Relations

• Other (minor) contributions to project communication (e.g. interviews).

June 26, 2025, 11:59 PM (CET)

Please submit your offer via email, including the following documents:

• A brief profile of your company or yourself
• Proof of relevant references or previous experience
• A description of the proposed implementation approach
• A rough cost estimate

Center for Cultural Property Protection
University for Continuing Education Krems
Attn: Ms. Raffaela Woller
Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30
3500 Krems, Austria
zkgs@donau-uni.ac.at