Digital Preservation Of Cultural Heritage Research Articles

Planar Reconstruction of Indoor Scenes from Sparse Views and Relative Camera Poses

Planar reconstruction detects planar segments and deduces their 3D planar parameters (normals and offsets) from the input image; this has significant potential in the fields of digital preservation of cultural heritage, architectural design, robot navigation, intelligent transportation, and security monitoring. Existing methods mainly employ multiple-view images with limited overlap for reconstruction but lack the utilization of the relative position and rotation information between the images. To fill this gap, this paper uses two views and their relative camera pose to reconstruct indoor scene planar surfaces. Firstly, we detect plane segments with their 3D planar parameters and appearance embedding features using PlaneRCNN. Then, we transform the plane segments into a global coordinate frame using the relative camera transformation and find matched planes using the assignment algorithm. Finally, matched planes are merged by tackling a nonlinear optimization problem with a trust-region reflective minimizer. An experiment on the Matterport3D dataset demonstrates that the proposed method achieves 40.67% average precision of plane reconstruction, which is an improvement of roughly 3% over Sparse Planes, and it improves the IPAA-80 metric by 10% to 65.7%. This study can provide methodological support for 3D sensing and scene reconstruction in sparse view contexts.

LBCapsNet: a lightweight balanced capsule framework for image classification of porcelain fragments

The image classification task of porcelain fragments is of great significance for the digital preservation of cultural heritage. However, common issues are encountered in the image processing of porcelain fragments, including the low computation speed, decreased accuracy due to the uneven distribution of sample categories, and model instability. This study proposes a novel Capsule Network model, referred to as LBCapsNet, which is suitable for the extraction of features from images of porcelain artifacts fragments. A bottleneck-like channel transformation module denoted by ChannelTrans, which resides between the convolutional layer and the PrimaryCaps layer, was first designed. This module is used to reduce the computational complexity and enhance the processing speed when dealing with intricate porcelain images. The MF-R loss function was then proposed by incorporating focal loss into the original loss function. This allows to address the issue of imbalanced distribution of ceramic shard samples and reduce the classification errors, which leads to faster convergence with smoother trend. Finally, an adaptive dynamic routing mechanism is designed with a dynamic learning rate to enhance the overall stability of the classification process. The experimental results obtained on public datasets, such as MNIST, Fashion- MNIST, CIFAR10, FMD and DTD as well as porcelain fragments dataset, demonstrate that LBCapsNet achieves high classification accuracy with faster and more stable computation compared with existing methods. Furthermore, the ability of LBCapsNet to process special textures can provide technical support for the digital preservation and restoration of cultural heritage.

Research on Conservation and Restoration Methods of Museum Artifacts in the Context of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract In the era of artificial intelligence, the conservation and restoration of museum artifacts encounter both new possibilities and hurdles. The limitations of conventional conservation techniques, in terms of efficiency and accuracy, are becoming increasingly apparent. This study explores the potential of 3D reconstruction technologies, SIFT algorithms, and Poisson’s equation to revolutionize the digital restoration of cultural relics. These advanced approaches allow for precise, efficient restorations and the ability to undertake complex projects without risking harm to the original items. Our approach integrates cutting-edge algorithms to tailor 3D reconstruction strategies for museum artifacts, culminating in creating a comprehensive digital artifact database. Through the innovative use of feature point detection and texture synthesis, we have achieved notable successes, including a 12% improvement in 3D model accuracy and a significant enhancement in the automation of the restoration process. With an SSIM value of 0.9964 for restored images, our method demonstrates superiority over traditional restoration techniques, marking a significant stride towards the efficient digital preservation of cultural heritage.

Digital Cultural Heritage, Cybersecurity, and the Human Factor

Abstract Digital heritage, with its intellectual and cultural identity value, constitutes a significant asset. This also makes it an important asset in the cyber market. Cultural heritage institutions, recognising the vital role of digital assets, confront various information security risks and must adopt cyber threat related strategies to counter potential cyber-attacks. This paper first investigates the susceptibility of digital heritage objects to cyber threats by examining their distinctive characteristics. The study subsequently poses research enquiries concerning the cybersecurity proficiency and general awareness of cultural heritage professionals. A conducted survey in Croatia among these professionals analyses their information and computer practices related to the storage and preservation of digital cultural heritage. Findings reveal that while overall cybersecurity awareness is commendable, there exists a deficiency in cybersecurity and data protection training among cultural heritage professionals, even at the basic level. Additionally, the study highlights insufficient technical support and equipment for cybersecurity within cultural heritage institutions.

Comparison of low-cost techniques for digital cultural heritage preservation of an original Egyptian temple

Abstract. The research covers a method to map archaeological objects (cultural heritage) in 3D in an accurate, detailed way with low-cost equipment. This paper deals with a preliminary step, testing the method on an ancient Egyptian object, the temple of Taffeh (Raven, 1996) in the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) in Leiden, the Netherlands. Mapping the temple is a preparation step for accurately and detailed mapping and geo-referencing an ancient Egyptian subterranean tomb. The research was to compare two different techniques on reliability and precision, together describing the accuracy. The proposed techniques in the method are photogrammetry with a full-frame digital mirrorless camera and using an iPhone with LiDAR capability. For this first step, the mapping of the temple, a third technique was added: a more advanced mobile laser scanner (a ZEB Horizon), not being low-cost but interesting for comparison and possibly validation. Of all three techniques the point density was measured to give a first indication of the level of detail. The research shows the method to be promising for use in Egypt. The photogrammetry model was the most accurate, presenting sub-centimetre details of the object while the iPhone LiDAR model was less accurate and lower in point density but faster.

A Survey on Improved GAN based Image Inpainting for Different Aims

Computer Vision (CV) is an important field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that focuses on processing and analyzing the visual data input like images or videos. And image inpainting technique is a task of reconstructing image with missing parts by using the information of the existing part, which becomes a crucial part in CV. It has various image processing applications such as digital cultural heritage preservation, old photograph restoration and object removal. The researchers found that using generative adversarial network can extract the feature from image without huge amount of computation which are two main challenges of image inpainting, therefore GAN-based inpainting method has recently been a hub for research. In this paper, we review most of the latest improved image inpainting methods and divide them into three categories according to their different aims: for semantic image inpainting, for generating higher diversity and for irregular or free-form image input. Firstly, we review the methods from structure and algorithm. Then we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Finally, we conclude the challenges or limitations raised from our findings and some potential development trend.

Electronic documents are part of the digital heritage of modern society

The purpose of the article is to provide a theoretical description of the main aspects of functioning of electronic documents as part of the digital heritage of modern Ukrainian society; to outline its place in the preservation of digital cultural heritage; to focus attention on the contribution of Ukrainika as a valuable resource of digital heritage. Moreover, the aim of the paper is to reveal the essence of the concept of "digital heritage" in the UNESCO "Charter on the Preservation of Digital Heritage", the Vancouver Declaration "Memory of the World in the Digital Age: Digitization and Preservation", "Recommendations on Ensuring Preservation and Access to Documentary Heritage", as well as to analyse the trends in the activities of the European Digital Library. The research methodology is based on the retrospective analysis that has been used to determine the goals, tasks of the design of the expected findings in the process of collecting and processing facts. The features of "digital heritage", "cultural heritage" concepts, description of the problem of documentary heritage preservation have been analysed. The textological method has been used to form the idea about the system of preserving the cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people; the generalisation method enabled revealing the general picture of the place of electronic documents as part of the digital heritage of the information sphere of society's life. The scientific novelty of the work consists in substantiating the inclusion of electronic documents in the information space with the help of modern technologies, which contributes to the digitalisation of cultural heritage, education and science of Ukraine. Conclusions. Electronic documents occupy an important place in the composition of digital and documentary heritage. The world community has a developed legal framework and experience in preserving digital documentary heritage. As a European state, Ukraine regularly participates in replenishing the world's digital documentary heritage by providing free access to it for users. Keywords: digital heritage, documentary heritage, cultural heritage, electronic document, digital resource, information space, library fund.

Digital preservation of cultural heritage at the National Library of the Republic of Moldova

Digital preservation of cultural heritage at the National Library of the Republic of Moldova

Historical-graphical analysis and digital preservation of cultural heritage: case study of the baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol in Montilla (Córdoba, Spain)

Stone is a characteristic element in the construction of buildings and monuments in the Middle Ages in Spain. This is so mainly due to its durability and, in baptismal fonts, specifically, its symbolism: Jesus Christ is the cornerstone, he comes to save us and is the foundation of the life of the Christian and of the Universal Church. The application of virtual 3D reconstruction is essential in the conservation of this type of heritage, together with scientific techniques and methods, and the analysis of historical-graphic documentation. Focusing on these three aspects, the baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol de Montilla will be taken as a reference. The baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol in Montilla (Córdoba, Spain), whose exact origin is unknown, is one of the most important heritage assets. San Francisco Solano, known as the “Thaumaturge of the New World”, was baptised in it. For over four centuries, the temple has been the Main Church of the head of the Marquisate of Priego. This study aims to know, document and carry out a digital reconstruction of an important piece of the monumental heritage of the Catholic Church: the baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol in Montilla. To this end, we searched a major literature review focused on the use of photogrammetry for reading old graphics and deciphering texts. After that we analysed the graphic documentation derived from the restoration process conducted by Cordovan restorer Vázquez Arjona in the late twentieth century. The application of 3D digitisation and documentation techniques has allowed not only to analyse this important heritage element in detail through a virtual reconstruction, but also to make a far-reaching discovery regarding one of its elements, the unknown inserted inscription in the baptismal font band.

Intangible Heritage and Sustainable Development Strategies

This paper analyses in detail the problems of protecting cultural heritage in rural regions and small towns, in traditional rural landscapes and in the context of the revival of rural settlements. The paper substantiates the necessity and possibility of measures for the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage by measures of both organisational and technical nature. The international experience of safeguarding cultural heritage by organisational measures and digital preservation is considered; the need to correct this experience in accordance with local specifics is substantiated. The existing technical approaches to the digital preservation of cultural heritage are analysed. An original approach is proposed that most fully simulates complex objects such as artistic reliefs with painting – the method of synchronised laser triangulation, combined with the method of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

A Strong Sustainability Framework for Digital Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Introducing the Eco-Sufficiency Perspective

The intensifying effects of climate change are becoming one of the main threats to cultural heritage, posing risks of degradation or destruction. Climate change is bringing complexity and uncertainty to ensuring the resilience of cultural heritage, and among risk mitigation measures digitalisation is regarded as a promising tool. However, the infrastructure required for the digitalisation process exerts significant pressures on the environment contributing to climate deterioration. To address these issues, this contribution developed a strong sustainability framework for the preservation of cultural heritage through digitalisation, for minimising environmental impacts and maximising the potential of preservation. To construct the framework, a literature review was conducted on efficiency and sufficiency concepts and existing approaches to sustainability of digitalisation in cultural heritage. To test the potential application and feasibility of the framework in driving environmental sustainability efforts within cultural heritage organisations, the case study of the Finnish Heritage Agency was analysed. The results showed that the understanding of the sustainability of digitalisation is not fully developed. Strong sustainability is hardly applied in practice, even though an inherent tendency for sufficiency especially in the appraisal stage was identified. It was highlighted that extensive stakeholder networks are required for advancing the sustainability of digital preservation. Ultimately, re-examining current practices and realigning stakeholders would be required for addressing the current challenges.

Towards a Sustainable Infrastructure for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Digital Scholarship

The digital lifecycle encompasses definitive processes for data curation and management, long-term preservation, and dissemination, all of which are key building blocks in the development of a digital library. Maintaining a complete digital lifecycle workflow is vital to the preservation of digital cultural heritage and digital scholarship. This paper considers digital lifecycle programs for digital libraries, noting similarities between the digital and print lifecycles and referring to the example of the Digital Dunhuang project. Only through a systematic and sustainable digital lifecycle program can platforms for cross-disciplinary research and repositories for large aggregations of digital content be built. Moreover, advancing digital lifecycle development will ensure that knowledge and scholarship created in the digital age will have the same chances for survival that print-and-paper scholarship has had for centuries. It will also ensure that digital library users will have effective access to aggregated content across different domains and platforms.

The application of virtual reality technology in the digital preservation of cultural heritage

Virtual reality technology involves computer graphics, artificial intelligence, network, sensor technology and many other aspects. It can use the powerful computing and graphics processing capabilities of computers to provide alternatives to the original and express its visual, tactile, and auditory technical means. According to archaeological research data And documentary records, virtual reconstruction and simulated display of the cultural heritage that has been wiped out. "Digital protection" of cultural heritage is a new way of protection, relying on computer technology, and the use of digital equipment to collect, save, process, output and disseminate the required information, including databases established on computer systems, So as to achieve the purpose of information sharing and dissemination. This article mainly studies the application research of virtual reality technology in the digital preservation of cultural heritage. Create an immersive environment for users, display the objects realistically in the virtual reality system, thereby digitizing the technical protection of cultural heritage; secondly, use the virtual environment model of material cultural protection to build and use the terrain to generate and edit The device imitates the terrain of the natural world to achieve its position and the effect of being in it. Finally, the radial basis function is used to calculate the value in the virtual environment, so that the digital preservation of cultural heritage is more accurate. Experimental data shows that 35.54% and 64.46% of users are more likely to use the handle to interact with three-dimensional objects. They believe that the speed of the handle has changed and the control is more precise. Experimental results show that: The virtual environment reality technology specification is more efficient than the original technology in the process of digitizing cultural heritage.

Digital Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Opportunities Created by the Pandemic Crisis for Bringing New Life to Historical and Cultural Artefacts

The article describes possible strategies for saving the cultural heritage and accelerated digitization of cultural artefacts and items of national historical significance. Emphasis is placed on the specific opportunities posed by the pandemic crisis and the labor market fluctuations to introduce ICT innovations in museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions.

UNESCO and the Challenge of Preserving the Digital Cultural Heritage

In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the need to preserve the digital cultural heritage, a part of which is at significant risk of being lost. In light of the pressing demands to develop informed and targeted strategies, this article analyses UNESCO’s approach towards the preservation of the digital cultural heritage. Being the lead UN agency in the field of cultural heritage preservation, the organization responded to the challenge early on, notably by adopting the Charter on the Preservation of Digital Heritage. The article thus outlines UNESCO’s competencies regarding the digital cultural heritage as well as its concept thereof, before examining the organization’s strategies for the preservation of digital cultural heritage. Furthermore, by providing an outlook on some emerging trends, i.e. increasing privatization and commercialization, future requirements are identified.

ALEPPO BEFORE AND AFTER THE WAR 2010–2018

ALEPPO BEFORE AND AFTER THE WAR 2010–2018

Збереження цифрової культурної спадщини – імператив XXI століття (за документами ЮНЕСКО і Європейського Союзу)

Збереження цифрової культурної спадщини – імператив XXI століття (за документами ЮНЕСКО і Європейського Союзу)

ALEPPO - BEFORE AND AFTER

Abstract. In October 2018 I was in Aleppo, Syria, for my second time after the visit in 2010 before the war. It was an unique opportunity to perform 3D surveys of some noticeable buildings and monuments affected by the war. The paper shows some 3D results and comparisons for same monuments. The objects of the survey are some parts of the Citadel walls, the entrance tower of the Citadel, the southern tower, one mosque, the minaret of the Citadel mosque. These results prove undoubtedly that photogrammetry is an essential instrument for the 3D documentation and digital preservation of cultural heritage. The used technique is spherical photogrammetry, based on panoramic images and ad-hoc processing processes. The technique is very much suitable for heritage documentation and if will be transferred to the students of the local faculty of architecture.

Digital Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Terengganu Brassware Craft Knowledge Base

Early exposure to cultural heritage is necessary to preserve it from extinction. One form of cultural heritage that is now on the brink of extinction is the Terengganu brassware craft. Current young generations are mostly not interested in this heritage. Furthermore, intangible heritage in the form of knowledge and skills are only stored in the memory of the practitioners. Lack of documentation has led to the sole reliance on practitioners such that the knowledge is lost upon their demise. Hence, intangible heritage knowledge has to be acquired and stored in a knowledge base system to keep them in a systematic and permanent form. Manipulating and transferring the knowledge and skills will also ensure the continuity of this heritage, and ensure it can be accessed by future generations. This paper discusses the development of the knowledge base of Terengganu Brassware Craft as a digital preservation of cultural heritage. Knowledge acquisition was carried out using interview and observation techniques. Then, the knowledge is represented using ontology. This knowledge, in digital form, can be manipulated and disseminated to the community to ensure the continuity of the knowledge.

Spomenik: Resurrecting Voices in the Woods

Spomenik (“monument”) was a digital memorial architecture that transposes in time otherwise hidden cultural memories of atrocity. Spomenik, was designed as a simple digital audio guide, embedded in a remote rural location (Kočevski Rog, Slovenia) to work without the infrastructure normally present at national memorial sites. By resurrecting voices and cultural narratives of the deceased and placing them back into the landscape through digital means, Spomenik opens a dialogue about the events of the past and their relation to networks of the living; it explored the role of voice and agency, as serviced through design, in the act of memorialization. This article presents a detailed case study of a design-led inquiry about digital memorialization and digital preservation of cultural heritage. It offers a reflective account of the nature of legacy and the extent to which it is (and perhaps should be) necessarily bound to networks of collective memory, mediated through designed cultural tools.