3D Scanning training program
The Nepal Heritage Documentation Project (NHDP), in collaboration with the Heidelberg Center for Cultural Heritage ( HCCH ), the Flagship Initiative Transforming Cultural Heritage at Heidelberg ( FITCH ) and The Saraf Foundation in Kathmandu, recently concluded a 3D scanning training program (from October 16 to 29, 2024) to support the preservation of Nepalese monuments through digital documentation. Led by HCCH members Michaela Boettner, Frank Steffen Bauer, and Dr. Roland Prien, the training offered hands-on 3D documentation experience to NHDP team members, students from Tribhuvan University, local community participants, and representatives from the Department of Achaeology .
Participants engaged in creating digital models of selected cultural heritage sites, employing high-resolution 3D techniques that enhance heritage preservation by allowing remote access and interactive exploration. This initiative aligns with state of the art heritage conservation, addressing challenges specific to Nepal such as earthquake vulnerability, rapid urbanization, and the need for greater heritage awareness.
The South Asia Institute Kathmandu Branch Office also hosted a lecture by Dr. Prien, entitled "Transforming Cultural Heritage in 3D: Potentials and Consequences of the Digitization of Cultural Heritage." His presentation, featuring a sample 3D documentation of a Roman site in the historic German town of Trier, resonated especially with local audiences, who appreciated insights into digital documentation’s potential applications in Nepal.
Following the Kathmandu sessions, the team extended the training to Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot on October 26-27, where Mayor Rajan Shreshtha welcomed the team and joined the work. He highlighted the vital role of 3D documentation for safeguarding Nepal’s cultural heritage, underlining this innovative approach’s importance in protecting sites at risk from environmental and demographic pressures.