A global organisation that finds solutions to complex humanitarian problems through research and innovation..
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Community-based mapping, modelling and monitoring of endangered heritage
Building on advances in consumer UAVs, photogrammetry and augmented reality to re-imagine how we can empower communities that are stewards of heritage sites around the world facing conflict, encroachment or natural hazards such as flooding.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE INNOVATION
Building on advances in consumer UAVs, photogrammetry and augmented reality to re-imagine how we can empower communities that are stewards of heritage sites around the world facing conflict, encroachment or natural hazards such as flooding.
WHAT HUMANITARIAN NEED IS BEING ADDRESSED?
Cultural heritage is increasingly threatened by conflict and environmental factors.
How communities connect with their heritage can affect its preservation as well as jobs and revenue where there has been tourism in the past or scope for tourism in the future.
Heritage stewardship can be an instrument to promote stabilisation and in building communities that are more resilient. Equally heritage and history can prove divisive, hence the importance of understanding how to address heritage stewardship in a conflict-sensitive way.
With resources always scarce, this project also looks at the smart use of consumer technology to empower local champions.
WHAT IS THE INNOVATIVE SOLUTION AND HOW WILL IT IMPROVE EXISTING HUMANITARIAN PRACTICE?
The convergence of five factors have made this possible:
Consumer electronics
Transforming cost and functionality
Accessibility and ease of use
Image sensors
High fidelity data
Hyperspectral – seeing the invisible
Connectivity
Saas Model
Data sharing
Remote expert mentoring
Smart phone literacy
Access
Local processing power
3 D rendering and visualisation
Value add
Engagement and understanding
From virtual to augmented reality
Compact ‘consumer’ UAVs have been used in the humanitarian response to map. We will be taking this idea further to enable communities to model and monitor key buildings and sites; and to experience and share the data in a richer, more intuitive way.
This could have valuable spin offs for the community, beyond just heritage stewardship.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
A detailed plan for a pilot project that would demonstrate:
local ownership
the potential to be replicated and
a business model that might sustain this approach.
In addition it will provide a practical demonstration of community based heritage stewardship in an area affected by conflict and environmental challenges. Why is this important?
Heritage is not only a visual witness of human civilisation it is also an integral part of a society´s collective memory and being. By protecting heritage and safeguarding it for future generations we are not only saving history we are also saving lives by reminding individuals of the past of their communities and the landscapes they inhabit. Protecting such sites in times of conflict requires an approach that is both conflict-sensitive as well as coherent with the humanitarian response. Designed in an appropriate way such a response could complement and enhance the traditional humanitarian response.
It’s only the perspective of hindsight which provides the opportunity to document the outcomes from a successful project. This blog seeks to document some of the initial successes.
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Until recently mapping the ground in 3D would have required a stereoscopic camera with the depth created by the differential depth of field between the two lenses.
The importance of communities in protecting heritage in conflict zones
21 Feb 2017
What role can the community play in protecting cultural heritage? This was a recurring theme, if an unspoken question, at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) round-table meeting on ‘Protecting Cultural Heritage in Armed Conflict Zones: Is a New Framework for Action Needed?’, held at the beginning of December 2016 at the British Academy.
The community based approach to the mapping, modelling and monitoring of endangered heritage sites needs to be grounded in the real issues faced by remote or isolated communities, if they wish to preserve their history, culture and local skills.
Innovators in the Protection of Endangered Heritage
31 Jan 2017
Heritage sites across the Middle East have long suffered from various forms of vandalism, neglect, urban encroachment, and natural deterioration. But since the Arab Spring, with authoritarian regimes replaced by weak governments or failed states and with the rise of ISIS and its affiliates, these sites face the unprecedented threat of total destruction.
Drones in humanitarian action – at a tipping point?
31 Jan 2017
In December 2016, a consortium led by the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) published a major review that provides detailed insight into the use of drones or airbourne systems in humanitarian crises.
Heritage stewardship – its place in the humanitarian landscape
13 Dec 2016
The dilemma about humanitarian priorities is often posed in a stark manner: surely humanitarians’ number one priority is saving lives? Don’t lives matter more than buildings?
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