Alternative Views of the lost heritage of Gwynedd
Computer photogrammetry techniques have advanced enough to utilise multiple 2D photographs of the same object, building or environment, perform a registration of them and calculate a 3D model from the 2D photos. This project will create 3D models from the photographs in the archives and allow users to navigate and view these 3D scenes. The developed models will then be displayed online and encompassed into an exhibition.
The project is a collaboration between Bangor University’s Schools of Computer Science (Dr Jonathan Roberts), History, Welsh History and Archaeology (Prof Ray Karl), Aberystwyth University’s School of Computer Science (Dr Bernie Tiddeman) and Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (Emily Bateman), this project aims to use archival photographic images to recreate the three-dimensionality of lost heritage assets.
The work will focus on heritage photographs that are stored as an image archive of Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (GAT), photographs that were taken many years ago, and not for the purpose of creating a 3D picture. Many of the photographs depict assets that have long disappeared, or excavations that have been built upon. Thus we aim to re-create 3D models of images that cannot be digitised into 3D today - we are creating the lost heritage of Gywnedd. We will also elicit stories from public engagement and collate information on these pictures. Therefore, we will present alternative views on the lost heritage of Gwynedd. Different representations will be included: the 2D pictures, interactive 3D models, stories and interpretations of the heritage asset, and where appropriate 3D physical models printed through rapid prototyping techniques. By making enhanced archival data publicly available in formats it was not available before, the project also will also contribute to the AHRC's care for the future research theme.
The project aims to recreate the three-dimensionality of lost heritage assets by taking a case-study based approach to a sizeable image database which in parts dates back to the 1970ies and (partially) even before. Alongside Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (GATs) photographic archive (c. 500,000 photographs) we have access Bangor University's archaeological slide collection (c. 70,000 photographs).
Dr Roberts says "This project will create 3d models of objects or buildings that have long since disappeared, taken from multiple 2D photographs. This is an exciting prospect."
Dr Roberts says: "This project is only possible through collaboration. It is excellent to be collaborating with Archaeologists in Bangor, the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust and Computer Scientists in Aberystwyth. Indeed, it is good to further the Strategic Alliance between Aberystwyth and Bangor Universities."
