From an article in PHYS.org by Shubham Mishra et al.
Despite the global recognition of cultural heritage’s importance and role in enriching our lives, it is under constant menace. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has identified eight different threats, of which urbanization—manifested through rapid demographic changes and pressures, homogenization, loss of identity and in the worst case, demolition—is seen perhaps as the most significant.
Because these threats are complex and multi-layered, preservation and efficient management of cultural heritage demand robust information. One such information-gathering tool is geo-information technology (GIT), which through its different forms—remote sensing and graphic information systems (GIS), photogrammetry, and laser scanning—has long been used to document, model and monitor cultural heritage as well as disseminate information about it.
The goal of our ongoing research is to create a digital twin of Shahjahanabad across a spatio-temporal scale. This virtual model would support future conservation efforts, restore the city’s unique identity by creating cultural awareness, and serve as a model for future planning and development.
Although photogrammetry and laser scanning have been used for creating historic urban environments, modeling dense and “living” heritage areas like Shahjahanabad using these methods takes on a different meaning. The methodology proposed by our research—combining GIT methods with archival research—could be useful for other urban areas that do not have sufficient historic spatial information for modeling the past.
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