A Review of Locomotion Techniques for Exploring Heritage Sites in Virtual Reality

This paper systematically reviews locomotion techniques in Virtual Reality (VR) for exploring heritage sites, focusing on methods that enhance user immersion and connection to virtual environments. Through a systematic literature review, this study categorizes the most commonly used locomotion methods, analyzes the rationale behind their selection and user experiences. The study finds that controller-based methods are most commonly used due to their familiarity. However, recent advancements in walking-based techniques like Walking in Place (WiP) and Redirected Walking (RDW) show greater potential for providing a more immersive experience. Despite technological challenges, these unmediated approaches could significantly enhance user presence of virtual heritage site exploration. The paper emphasizes the need for further research into integrating these advanced techniques in VR applications.