A Pilot Study on the Development of an Immersive Virtual Reality Map for the Mahawanaram Temple in Ubon Ratchatani, Thailand

Abstract

As a secondary tourist destination, Ubon Ratchathani is typically not a top choice for tourists. Consequently, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Office has been actively promoting tourism with the compelling theme “Ubon Ratchathani: The City of Four Lights,” highlighting the “Light of Dharma,” which signifies the province’s abundance of magnificent and historically significant temples, such as Wat Mahawanaram. The primary objectives of this study were 1) to create a virtual reality map of Mahawanaram Temple, a royal temple in the province of Ubon Ratchathani, and 2) to investigate the satisfaction of the system's users. The virtual reality map was developed using cutting-edge 360-degree image technology. Its focal point will be Mahawanaram Temple, an architectural masterpiece steeped in history, situated in the center of Ubon Ratchathani, captivating both local people and tourists. The developed system was implemented and evaluated on residents in Ubon Ratchathani who had visited the Mahawanaram Temple. The sampling was done using an accidental sampling method. The evaluation of satisfaction involved the use of an online questionnaire containing questions about various aspects of system use. The data were collected from 83 respondents and were processed using descriptive statistics. The results showed a high level of overall satisfaction among the respondents. It is highly expected that the main findings of this study will serve as a foundation for refining the system further and extending its application to other temples in the future, illuminating the path for Ubon Ratchathani to emerge as a prominent tourist destination.