Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has collaborated to start a national project for inventory and monitoring of archaeological sites of the country.
The project aims to conserve and manage thousands of heritage sites and monuments of national importance using geospatial technology. The project involves 3D digital models of the sites and monuments and overlaid over the satellite data, which provide virtual reality walk-through and visualization.
3D Digital model of Gol Gumbaz – world’s one of the largest dome structure.
Credit: ISRO
Using the potential of Indian remote sensing satellite imagery, a systematic database of these heritage sites and Site Management Plans will be which will help to take appropriate measures in conserving, preserving and monitoring activities of a heritage site.
Such systems developed could act as a first hand for the authorities responsible for the upkeep of heritage sites like Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with least effort, time and cost implications.
The primary use of space technology in archaeology applications is in two broad areas:
- Inventory of world heritage sites and nationally important monuments in the country and generation of Geo-spatial database using high resolution satellite data
- Predictive Locational Modeling for siting prospective archaeological locations
Data from Cartosat-1, Cartosat-2 and Resourcesat LISS IV are used for creating the database on heritage sites and monuments. Three management zones (protected, prohibited and regulated) around the heritage site are delineated using GIS tool after locating the site/monument on the satellite image. In addition to that other collateral data like total station survey data, revenue village cadastral maps and other maps / attributes related to the inventory, plans etc are geo-referenced and integrated with the satellite data and form part of the geo-database. Other data like ground photographs, different views of the monuments, type of buildings and their heights, street view of the buildings and lanes, open spaces are also part of the database.
Credit: ISRO
In the present collaborative project, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) using high resolution satellite data as primary data source and employing state-of the-art Geo-spatial technology and open source tools is developed for operational use by ASI. The project is already in advanced stage of completion in the state of Karnataka and soon will be extended to the rest of country.
Source: ISRO
