The Caribbean, a region steeped in a tapestry of diverse cultures, histories, and natural beauty, holds a unique place in the world’s heritage. With the rise of technology, preservation efforts in the Caribbean have taken a leap forward, offering innovative ways to safeguard and showcase its rich legacy for generations to come.
There are 30 UNESCO-approved World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean, including the Naval Dockyard and related archaeological sites in Antigua, Fort Shirley in Dominica, and the Underwater City of Port Royal in Jamaica, among others.
One exemplary initiative showcasing the potential of technology in heritage preservation comes from the partnership between the French Government, Capture4Cad, and Leica Geosystems. This project aims to breathe new life into the historic Citadelle de Besancon in France while preserving its heritage through autonomous reality capture.
Hugo Parent, Head of the Heritage Department at Capture4Cad, has been at the forefront of this groundbreaking endeavour. His work involves using state-of-the-art reality capture technology from Leica Geosystems to create a detailed 3D model of the entire Citadelle. The objective is twofold: first, to develop an augmented reality version of this 17th-century marvel, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its history and splendour. Second, the data collected will play a vital role in the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
How does this innovative project align with the preservation of Caribbean heritage? The key lies in the broader application of such cutting-edge technology. The Caribbean boasts a wealth of historical sites, from colonial-era forts and sugar plantations to vibrant cultural artifacts. With reality capture and augmented reality technologies, these sites can be brought to life for both residents and tourists, offering an immersive journey through the Caribbean’s history.
Moreover, the digital preservation of heritage ensures that, in the face of natural disasters and the ravages of time, these historical treasures endure. When hurricanes threaten ancient buildings or sea-level rise encroaches on historic sites, technology-backed archives can serve as essential resources for restoration and rebuilding efforts. The partnership between the French Government, Capture4Cad, and Leica Geosystems exemplifies the potential of technology in heritage preservation. In the Caribbean, we surely should consider the same.
Class One Systems is the exclusive distributor of various Leica Geosystems product lines within Trinidad & Tobago. As technology continues to evolve, Caribbean nations can harness a range of tools and technologies to protect, showcase, and celebrate their unique heritage, enriching the lives of those who cherish these cultural treasures and sharing them with the world. The future of Caribbean heritage preservation is not just about conserving the past but also about embracing the possibilities of the digital age to safeguard and promote its legacy.
Reference
https://connect.hexagongeosystems.com/Citadelle_de_Besancon_Smart_Heritage?utm_campaign=global_en_2023_citadelle_besancon_website_lp&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=lgs_website_download&utm_content=rc_unity_programme
