THỪA THIÊN HUẾ — Seagate Technology on Monday announced a partnership with CyArk, to digitally preserve Tự Đức Tomb and An Định Palace in the Complex of Huế Monuments in central Huế City.

The project of digital scanning and archiving of the UNESCO World Heritage site, approved by the People’s Committee of Thừa Thiên Huế Province, commenced earlier in June in co-operation with the Huế Monuments Conservation Centre (HMCC).

All the data and images captured from the field exercise will be turned into photo-real 3D models to help enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the research, conservation and restoration of Huế Monuments.

Huế Monuments was selected by CyArk, an international non-profit organisation, as part of their international programme for digital preservation through aerial surveys conducted with drones, terrestrial laser scanning known as LiDAR, and photogrammetry exercises. CyArk will be producing 3D models and architectural drawings to aid the Huế Monuments Conservation Centre in the ongoing conservation and management of the site.

Seagate supports CyArk both in the field and the office with its data-storage solutions. These devices ensure that the massive 3D capture data files from the field are safely backed up, centralised, and ready for processing to create detailed maps and architectural drawings that aid in the conservation of heritage sites. The stored data is also used to create exciting, interactive virtual reality experiences for Vietnamese tourists and academics alike while helping to preserve the design and architecture of Huế Monuments’ ancient buildings and structures facing the ravages of time.

“The final production of CyArk’s project, including all the photos taken with drones, LiDAR and the introduction clip about Tự Đức Tomb and An Định Palace will be stored and processed for architectural work, which will help in the research, conservation and restoration of these monuments. This project raises the awareness both of the cultural value of Huế as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the importance of preserving world cultural heritage,” Phan Thanh Hải, director of the Huế Monuments Conservation Centre, said.

The Complex of Huế Monuments site has suffered from the effects of wars, as well as modern development and expanding human settlements. In addition, climate change and natural disasters such as floods are other potential problems for the long-term management of the property.

Since 2003, CyArk has amassed high-tech digital records of over 200 heritage sites in 40 countries, including Wat Phra Si San Phet in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. —VNS