2.2 3D Scanning: Potential and Challenges

This unit covers one of the methods for 3D recording; laser scanning. It will discuss the different types of 3D scanning and will explore through examples and case studies the potential and challenges of the method.

2.2.3 Case Study: 3D Scanning and Digital Diplomacy
Case StudyCase Study: The Scottish Ten and CyArk Projects

In earlier units of this course you were briefly introduced to some core heritage concepts, including the so-called Authorised Heritage Discourse (see Unit 1.1) that emphasises the political uses of heritage. This case study aims to bring together two major 3D scanning initiatives, namely The Scottish Ten and CyArk projects, and the application of large scale scanning as a means to discuss the use of 3D digitisation not only to preserve, study, analyse, and educate the public about past material culture but also to problematise these in the context of what Amy Clarke (2016) describes as digital heritage diplomacy:

A common topic of debate is how “cultural diplomacy” and “public diplomacy” relate to one another...A further complication of this public/cultural diplomacy framework, and of the place heritage occupies, comes in the form of “digital diplomacy” a label applied by some governments and academics to practices of digital communication, especially for the dissemination of national policies and the promotion of national achievements. While digital diplomacy operates as part of a broader soft power strategy, it often takes the form of a strange hybrid of public and cultural diplomacy tactics that varies from nation to nation (p.51). 

The Scottish Ten & CyArk Projects

Back in 2003, Ben and Barbara Kacyra founded the non-profit foundation CyARK, aiming to build a database of digital information on globally significant heritage sites. In his TED talk, 'Ancient Wonders Captured in 3D', Ben Kacyra, explains his vision to digitally preserve 500 sites over five years:

Ben Kacyra, Ted Talk, July 2011, Edinburgh, Scotland (YouTube)

Ben Kacyra is not unknown in the field of 3D documentation. As a civil engineer, he co-founded Cyra Technologies, which developed the first long range laser scanner with the capability to record millions of points with very high accuracy (Barton 2007). In 2001 the company was purchased by Leica Geosystems, which is a leader in 3D laser scanning software and equipment until the present day.

The Scottish government, after a meeting with CyArk's founder, Ben Kacyra and representatives from Historic Scotland (now Historic Environment Scotland) and The Glasgow School of Art, decided to fund a project, the Scottish Ten, to digitally document Scotland's five UNESCO world Heritage sites as well as five international heritage sites, so as to contribute to CyArk's mission (Underhill 2018).    

The Scottish Ten project was conceived and launched in 2009 at Mount Rushmore (USA), one of the five international heritage sites that were digitised (Wilson et al. 2011; 2013). In the five years that the project run, Scotland's five UNESCO world Heritage sites and five international heritage sites were digitised. The Scottish sites are the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, New Lanark 18th Century Mill Village, St Kilda islands, the Antonine Wall and Neolithic Orkney, while the international sites are Mount Rushmore National Memorial (USA), Rani Ki Vav Royal Step Well (India), Sydney Opera House (Australia), Eastern Qing Tombs (China), and Nagasaki (Japan). Rani Ki Van and Nagasaki got the status of World Heritage Sites (partially because of their thorough documentation). The project was completed in 2014 with the documentation of all 10 heritage sites, whereas in the second phase, the aim has been to use the digital assets to improve conservation and heritage management practices, share the data via mobile apps and virtual/augmented reality applications, and use these for public engagement and learning with diverse demographics. 

According to the official site of the Scottish Ten, the benefits of the project were twofold (presented here as they are presented in the official website). In terms of the technology, 3D laser scanning: 

  • enables close monitoring of the rate of decay or damage to structures;
  • gave us precise measurements that can be used to repair and conserve irreplaceable heritage sites;
  • lets us take structures ‘back in time’ – by digitally reconstructing a structure, we can see how it would have looked at different periods;
  • enables the creation of digital models and virtual tours, which allow remote access to inaccessible or dangerous areas;
  • positioned Scotland as a world leader in documentation and visualisation of the historic environment;
  • allows us to create a digital record of sites that are enjoyed today for the benefit of future generations.
 
In addition, the project brought much wider benefits:
  • showcasing our innovation on a world stage;
  • extending our expertise;
  • strengthening Scotland’s cultural and economic links.

Recently, CyArk, together with Historic Environment Scotland, and the University of South Florida formed the Open Heritage Alliance and launched the Open Heritage Portal (supported by Google Arts & Culture and the Kacyra Family Foundation), aiming to 'make primary 3D cultural heritage data open and accessible'.  

According to Clarke (2016), The Scottish Ten was not only driven by technology is the service heritage conservation and preservation but also by Scotland's diplomatic agenda and the demonstration of its ability to collaborate with global powers (US, China, Japan, India, and Australia). Without undermining the success of the project, Clarke highlights that 'a successful outcome for a project of this nature may be couched in political rather than conservation terms.' (p.62).

Exercise: 3D Laser Scanning and Heritage Diplomacy

Your task based on the above case study is to use Clarke's article as a starting point to identify the digital heritage diplomacy involved in the two initiatives; the Scottish Ten and CyArk. This includes, defining the stakeholders, official and underlying narratives, uses and portrayals of 3D scanning technology, politics, and outcomes. Once you have identified these, you should think of other digital heritage initiatives that could be explored under the framework of Digital Heritage Diplomacy. Think for examples of projects, such as Rekrei, the Palmyra Arch, the hologram of The Bamiyan Buddhas, or other less know digital heritage initiatives in your countries that involve some form of 3D capturing technology. You can make an entry to your reflective diary about this or write a blog post.

   

References