Using Google Earth to monitor threats to archeological sites
March 16, 2011
pity, it wasn't there, when azeris were destroying the cross-stones in Julfa cemetery..
A new alert system uses Google Earth and other satellite-based tools to protect cultural heritage sites from fire, looting, encroachment, destructive tourism, and other threats, says the Global Heritage Fund, the group that launched the initiative.
The platform, dubbed the Global Heritage Network (GHN - ghn.globalheritagefund.org), relies on high resolution satellite imagery and detailed maps of 500 key archeological and cultural heritage sites in developing countries around the world. Threats are reported by people in the field, including local communities, researchers, authorities, and volunteers.
"GHN serves as an early warning system for our irreplaceable global heritage sites on the brink of being lost," said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF, in a statement. "GHN expands our global network to engage a broader group of site conservation leaders, archaeologists, local communities, government officials, donors, and volunteers to save our global heritage for future generations."
"With major threats such as the armed conflict endangering nearby Preah Vihear Temple on the contested Thai-Cambodian border, an early warning system for heritage sites is clearly needed to focus national and world attention and generate rapid responses to loss and destruction of global heritage."
GHN uses scientific mapping from Esri and satellite imagery from DigitalGlobe to populate a geospatial database displayed on Google Earth. Information on threats is drawn from a variety of sources, including social networks, news reports, and, in the case of Mirador, Guatemala, where forest fires put ancient Mayan temples at risk, even NASA fire data. Threats are communicated via social media and other channels to authorities and the public.
more and photoes at http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0315-ghn.html
pity, it wasn't there, when azeris were destroying the cross-stones in Julfa cemetery..
A new alert system uses Google Earth and other satellite-based tools to protect cultural heritage sites from fire, looting, encroachment, destructive tourism, and other threats, says the Global Heritage Fund, the group that launched the initiative.
The platform, dubbed the Global Heritage Network (GHN - ghn.globalheritagefund.org), relies on high resolution satellite imagery and detailed maps of 500 key archeological and cultural heritage sites in developing countries around the world. Threats are reported by people in the field, including local communities, researchers, authorities, and volunteers.
"GHN serves as an early warning system for our irreplaceable global heritage sites on the brink of being lost," said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of GHF, in a statement. "GHN expands our global network to engage a broader group of site conservation leaders, archaeologists, local communities, government officials, donors, and volunteers to save our global heritage for future generations."
"With major threats such as the armed conflict endangering nearby Preah Vihear Temple on the contested Thai-Cambodian border, an early warning system for heritage sites is clearly needed to focus national and world attention and generate rapid responses to loss and destruction of global heritage."
GHN uses scientific mapping from Esri and satellite imagery from DigitalGlobe to populate a geospatial database displayed on Google Earth. Information on threats is drawn from a variety of sources, including social networks, news reports, and, in the case of Mirador, Guatemala, where forest fires put ancient Mayan temples at risk, even NASA fire data. Threats are communicated via social media and other channels to authorities and the public.
more and photoes at http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0315-ghn.html