Augmenting Jordanian Heritage

This project is an enhancement to the AHRC 'Fragmented Heritage' project, which aims to revolutionize landscape, site, and artefact analyses by bringing new transformative digital recording methods and computed analysis to fields that are traditionally labour intensive. The scale of the resultant technology and capability will generate a paradigm shift in the way that spatial and functional data are studied in the heritage sciences. Fragmented Heritage has developed a means for refitting knapped (flaked) stone tools. In this extension of that research, we aim to apply the method to reconstruct broken and fragmented heritage objects and monuments that have sustained damage as a result of human and natural agencies. This cutting edge research will provide museums and heritage sites the opportunity: 1) to record their important heritage materials in 3D; 2) to refit fragmented heritage objects digitally, which can then be displayed in 360 degrees; 3) to decide whether to repair the fragmented object physically using the digital model as a guide. This research allows us to contribute much more directly to public outreach in places where disasters such as war and earthquakes have impacted on the great heritage that exists or once existed.

Until now no one has been able to produce a methodology to refit broken three dimensional objects back together digitally. Our methodology is at the very forefront of heritage and engineering sciences. By demonstrating this research at the Jordan Museum, we expect the results will greatly impact on the heritage fields (e.g., archaeology, history, conservation), and for museums and organisations specialized in the presentation and distribution of heritage understanding.
This project extension serves to bring direct capacity and capability to the heritage infrastructure in Jordan and to afford the same to other ODA countries as a result of interactions during project dissemination.

The aim is to transform the existing virtual presence of The Jordan Museum. We will digitally reconstruct a sample of fragmented heritage objects to demonstrate the potential application of the 3D refit methodology for objects, statuary, and monuments damaged as a result of climate change, warfare, earthquakes and other harmful events. It builds on the existing Fragmented Heritage project by translating and applying research conducted as part of that program of research in the area of digital refitting and presentation.

The project will:
1) support international research collaborations with Jordan and will help to reduce poverty by promoting the development of a key resource that can be used for conserving and managing cultural heritage objects and in developing tourism;
2) build cultural capacity by transferring 3D digital documentation knowledge and skills directly relevant to core staff within the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities;
3) enhance the visitor experience at the National Museum and related sites;
4) create opportunities for people to virtually handle and manipulate objects providing a very personal level of tangible interaction with the past through use of 3D visualisations and 3D printed models;
5) produce the above 3D material that will encourage tourism though enticement and by providing augmentation to heritage visits;
6) will work alongside other measures as part of efforts to encourage more foreign tourists to visit the Kingdom and promote the country as a safe destination, according to Tourism Minister Al Fayez;
7) seek to grow domestic and international visitor numbers, improve country access, and expand quality and diversity of authentic visitor experiences;
8) improve the presentation, management and interpretation of cultural resources and key heritage sites; Develop a professional workforce; Raise industry competitiveness and business performance; and
9) encourage further political appreciation of heritage leading to the increased protection of heritage sites, monuments, and museum objects.