VIRTUAL REALITY, AUGMENTED REALITY AND EXTENDED REALITY HERITAGE INTERPRETATION PRESENTATION: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

Extended Reality, which includes Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, has become an increasingly important medium for enhancing cultural interpretation, knowledge communication and user engagement in heritage contexts. However, despite growing scholarly attention, research on XR in heritage remains fragmented and lacks a consolidated understanding of its thematic development and intellectual structure. This study examines global scientific output on VR, AR and XR in heritage interpretation published between 2020 and 2024. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, supported by VOS viewer and citation analysis, to identify publication trends, leading contributors, influential studies and thematic clusters. The findings show a clear growth in publications during the study period, with major contributions from China, Italy and the United States, as well as prominent institutions such as FORTH and Politecnico di Milano. Five main research clusters were identified, namely 3D modelling and historic preservation, immersive learning and virtual museums, artificial intelligence and photogrammetry, the metaverse and education and digital twins in intangible heritage. Overall, the study highlights the growing convergence between technological innovation and heritage engagement, while providing a structured reference for future research, practice and policy development in immersive heritage technologies.