Preserving Global Cultural Heritage: How Technology is Helping to Safeguard Our Shared History
Cultural heritage sites are a matter of national and global importance. They are the embodiment of our shared history, and their preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate the history, architecture, and artistry of previous cultures. However, these sites are vulnerable to natural and human-made disasters, climate change, and war. With the technological advancements of the information age, there is no reason why humanity cannot keep these treasures safe. In this article, we will explore the ways in which technology is helping to preserve our cultural heritage.
The Role of Drones
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), help experts to extensively analyze the landscapes of cultural heritage sites. By mapping the topography from above, archaeologists can precisely comprehend the lay of the land. Additionally, using multispectral and thermal imaging, drones can identify areas in need of immediate reconstruction, preventing further damage.
In June 2020, the National Museum of Beirut was destroyed due to a massive explosion. Immediately after the destruction, drones captured pictures of the site, which later helped the archaeologists in reconstruction. Drones have allowed cultural heritage care to be proactive by identifying potential sources of damage before they even occur.
Laser Scanning’s Role
Conventional methods of documentation to digitize historical buildings and sites can be expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Laser scanning provides an efficient alternative. Laser scanning collects millions of points of data that can recreate a 3D image of the site, capturing a level of detail that is difficult to achieve through traditional photogrammetric means.
Not only does laser scanning create high-resolution 3D images, but it also creates a backup file if the site happens to be damaged or destroyed, ensuring that at least a digital version is saved for posterity. This is useful in preserving sites like Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 2019.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
In the era of social distancing and lockdowns, digital tools such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are gaining more attention. VR and AR recreations can help people experience heritage sites that are inaccessible or damaged. The Museum of the Future in Dubai has a VR experience that lets visitors explore the lost city of Petra, making it accessible to people worldwide.
Virtual reality and augmented reality can also help in the planning stages of preservation efforts. By creating digital models of a site, teams of professionals can identify potential problems before intervention begins, resulting in a more precise and successful outcome.
The Future of Preservation Technology
Despite the rapid developments of technology, more investment is needed in preservation technology. Experts predict that artificial intelligence (AI) tools may soon be able to identify areas of a site most susceptible to damage before that damage occurs. Moreover, internet-of-things devices that transcribe humidity, temperature, and acid levels in the heritage locations are also in development.
In conclusion, the cultural heritage sites hold our collective history, and it is imperative to preserve them for future generations. Laser scanning, drones, and VR/AR are some of the technological solutions that can safeguard these sites. Ultimately, the technology of preservation is only limited by the resources and will of people committed to the cause. As preservation technology advances, so does our ability to ensure that cultural heritage sites and all they represent will remain accessible for generations.
