MEXICO CITY.- As result of an agreement signed in 2007, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), through Aragon Faculty of Superior Studies (FES Aragon) handed over 600 files that contain virtual reality 3 dimensional models, virtual tours and images of Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone.

Lilia Turcott Gonzalez, Director of FES Aragon, handed the material to Alfonso de Maria y Campos, general director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), at the National Museum of Anthropology.

The INAH-UNAM agreement contemplates the elaboration of 3-D reconstructive virtual models of the most important archaeological zones of Mexico, being Teotihuacan the first one.

Interdisciplinary work of both academic instances has allowed digital elevations of the Sun and Moon pyramids, Quetzalpapalotl and Feathered Shells Temples, the Jaguars Yard, the West Square Conjunct, as well as La Ventanilla, Tetitla, Atetelco and Zacuala residential conjuncts.

Other elements of the Teotihuacan Project are graphic reconstructions of ceramic objects, burials, and mural paintings. Accuracy of the reproductions parts from studies conducted by INAH archaeologists and physical anthropologists, among them Ignacio Rodriguez, Noel Morelos, Ruben Cabrera, Sergio Gomez, Jorge Angulo and Luis Alfonso Gonzalez Miranda.

Participation of FES Aragon, though its Division of Humanities and Arts, was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Jesus Escamilla, architects Roberto Pliego and David Yañez, and industrial engineers Ivan Flores and Octavio Garcia; more than 20 students helped in the project

This work allows knowing Teotihuacan more deeply, and imagining the city in the age of its peak, thanks to technology developed in UNAM.

Based in the 3 dimensional models, 3 products will be launched: a DVD for general public, another to be displayed at museums, which will require special screens and lenses for the visitors and the third one, will be directed to archaeology, physical anthropology, architecture and industrial design students and researchers.

Software used to develop the virtual reality models include Architecture Desktop, 3D Studiomac and BRML, while Corel Draw, Premier and Poser were used to create and edit video and images.

In Latin America, only one project has similar characteristics, created by UNAM regarding Bonampak Archaeological Zone; nevertheless, this work is more advanced in terms of virtual quality.

The next phase of the project contemplates the edition of a book and DVD.