The Tangle Lakes Virtual Reconstruction Project explores the integration of archaeological research, geospatial analysis, and emerging technologies to reconstruct an ancient landscape in Interior Alaska. Developed as part of an undergraduate senior thesis, the project focuses on recreating the Tangle Lakes region as it may have appeared during the Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene transition, approximately 10,500 - 9,000 years before present. By combining archaeological evidence with digital terrain modeling and immersive visualization, the project investigates how environmental conditions, landscape features, and access to natural resources may have influenced early human occupation and mobility across the region.

Research and Methodology

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The reconstruction was developed through a multistage digital workflow integrating geographic information systems (GIS), terrain-generation software, and real-time 3D visualization. Using ArcGIS Pro, the researcher processed digital elevation models (DEMs), satellite imagery, and geospatial datasets to establish the geographic foundation of the ancient landscape. These datasets were subsequently refined in TerreSculptor, where terrain heightmaps and landscape parameters were prepared for integration into Unreal Engine 5.

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Within Unreal Engine, Brooke developed a three - dimensional environmental reconstruction incorporating topography, vegetation, hydrology, and landscape features informed by archaeological and paleoenvironmental research. Particular attention was given to reconstructing historical shoreline elevations and evaluating how changes in water levels may have affected the accessibility and visibility of archaeological locations. The project also explored the application of virtual reality as a means of navigating and interpreting archaeological landscapes at a real world scale.

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Throughout development, Brooke addressed technical challenges involving terrain scaling, geospatial accuracy, large-scale landscape rendering, and interoperability between GIS and game engine environments. Through this process, Brooke established a practical workflow for translating spatial archaeological data into an interactive three-dimensional environment for virtual reality.

Research Impact and Significance

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The Tangle Lakes project demonstrates the potential of digital reconstruction to expand archaeological interpretation beyond conventional maps, site reports, and static visualizations. By situating archaeological evidence within a reconstructed landscape, the project provides a framework for examining relationships among topography, environmental change, resource distribution, and human mobility during an important period of Interior Alaska's early human history.

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Beyond its research applications, the project highlights the value of immersive digital heritage technologies for archaeological education, public engagement, and the visualization of culturally and environmentally sensitive landscapes. Virtual reconstruction offers opportunities to explore archaeological settings without requiring physical access to fragile sites, while creating accessible visual representations of complex spatial and environmental information.

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Overall, the project reflects an interdisciplinary approach to archaeological research, combining field-based archaeological knowledge with GIS, digital terrain modeling, 3D environmental design, and virtual reality. It establishes a foundation for future applications of immersive visualization in landscape archaeology, heritage interpretation, and the study of early human occupation in Alaska.