Open Heritage: Digital Preservation of Cultural Sites via CyArk and Google
The Open Heritage project, a partnership between CyArk and Google Arts & Culture, makes 3D laser scans of 25 cultural heritage sites accessible online. The initiative originated from Ben Kacyra's response to the Taliban's destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001. Kacyra, an American archaeologist of Iraqi origin, began laser scanning and founded CyArk in 2003 to create a digital archive. Sites include the Al Azem Palace in Damascus, Chichen Itza in Mexico, Bagan in Myanmar, Pompeii, Pisa, ancient Corinth, and Laas Geel rock paintings in Somalia. The team asserts that digital reconstructions will not replace physical visits but may inspire travel.
Key facts
- Open Heritage is a partnership between CyArk and Google Arts & Culture.
- Ben Kacyra started 3D laser scanning after the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001.
- CyArk was founded in 2003 as a nonprofit to map cultural heritage sites.
- The project offers 25 destinations, including Al Azem Palace, Chichen Itza, Bagan, Pompeii, Pisa, Corinth, and Laas Geel.
- The digital archive is available on computers and Android/iOS devices.
- The team believes digital reconstructions can stimulate real-world visits.
Entities
Artists
- Ben Kacyra
Institutions
- CyArk
- Google Arts & Culture
- Artribune
Locations
- Bamiyan
- Kabul
- Afghanistan
- Damasco
- Siria
- Chichen Itza
- Messico
- Bagan
- Myanmar
- Pompei
- Italia
- Pisa
- Corinto
- Grecia
- Laas Geel
- Somalia