‘Inaccessible and endangered archeological landscapes: terrestrial observation and 3D technology at the service of protecting and preserving cultural heritage (PaisArque)’

Stefano Biagetti, Carla Lancelotti, Alun Evans and José Ángel Blat Gimenos, Pompeu Fabra University; Francesc Cecilia Conesa, University of Barcelona / Pompeu Fabra University; and Steven Brett Markofsky, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas.

World Cultural Heritage is exposed to multiple risks, and information is the best way to mitigate them. Knowledge and digitalization of endangered cultural landscapes is our only opportunity to 1) protect and 2) disseminate the incalculable value of our archeological heritage in furtherance of UNESCO’s vision of the protection of natural and cultural heritage.

PaisArque proposes to:

1. Develop innovative and economical (low cost) approaches for the capture of 3D information with multidimensional data;
2. Develop virtual models drawing on data captured with remote sensors and stored in clouds of 3D points;
3. Develop free-of-charge applications for portable mobile devices in order to access, experience and enjoy this virtual heritage; and
4. Expand and strengthen the role of Spanish and European institutions in the creation, dissemination and use of 3D models for the virtual preservation of cultural heritage sites under threat (e.g., war zones, natural disasters) and/or located in remote areas.

Within this framework, the PaisArque project has selected for its pilot study a landmark case of endangered heritage in the easternmost zone of Tassili n’Ajjer (Algeria), a hub of Sub-Saharan archeology. The Algerian study will provide a laboratory for testing methodologies that can then be applied to other global contexts requiring the rapid documentation of imperiled cultural heritage. Also, this initiative will strengthen cooperation and academic links between the countries of the Mediterranean basin.

The main product deliverables will be:

• a mobile application for the 3D visualization of cultural heritage sites,
• dedicated software for the processing of 3D heritage images; and
• 3D reconstruction tools based on digital photography and Kinect.