Tech News Summary:
- UNESCO and a team of engineers are using high-tech laser equipment to preserve historic sites in Ukraine that are at risk due to Russia’s ongoing war against the country.
- At least 259 cultural and historical sites have been damaged by fighting in Ukraine since February 2022, including religious sites, museums, monuments, and libraries.
- The danger is real as several historic sites have already been targeted by Russian air raids, but volunteers from UNESCO are working tirelessly to preserve these sites for future generations.
Kiev, Ukraine – Despite the ongoing conflict that has ravaged the country for years, a United Nations-backed team is working to preserve Ukraine’s rich history. The team is using high-tech laser gear to safeguard the country’s most valuable historical sites.
The laser technology, known as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), is being used to create high-resolution, three-dimensional maps of historical sites in Ukraine. The technique uses laser pulses to measure the distance between the ground and the equipment, creating an accurate map of the area.
The team hopes that this technology will help them identify and document historical sites that have been destroyed or damaged in the conflict. The aim is to create a comprehensive inventory of Ukraine’s cultural assets, which will help protect them in the future.
“It’s important to preserve Ukraine’s rich history and cultural heritage, especially in the face of war,” said Adriana Dinu, the Head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine. “These sites are not just important to the Ukrainian people, but to the world as a whole. They are a testament to the country’s history, culture, and identity, and we must do everything in our power to protect them.”
The team has already used the LiDAR technology to map out several historical sites, including the ancient town of Chersonesus in Crimea, the medieval castle of Kamianets-Podilskyi, and the Assumption Cathedral in Kyiv.
The LiDAR mapping project is part of a larger initiative led by the UNDP and the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine. The initiative aims to promote cultural heritage preservation in the country.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, the team is determined to protect Ukraine’s rich history. Through the use of high-tech laser gear and a commitment to preserving the country’s heritage, they hope to ensure that these important historical sites will continue to be celebrated and enjoyed for generations to come.