Now in 3D: Julian stupa, monastery, Takht Bhai to be preserved digitally

Laser scanners to help create virtual tours, help conservation efforts

PESHAWAR: The K-P Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has initiated a 3D scanning and digital preservation process at Julian stupa and monastery at archaeological sites in Khanpur, Haripur, and Takht Bhai located in Mardan.

A team of conservation experts from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), along with officials from the K-P Directorate of Archaeology & Museums, are using 3D images of the stupa and monastery at Julian, Haripur to create a virtual tour of the site. This montage of images will soon be available online, said Dr Abdul Samad, director for K-P Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.



The director said the laser scanner is useful for conservation work as it has high-levels of accuracy. He said he hoped the initiative would have a ripple effect and that eventually, “all monument sites in the province, small or large, will be conserved in the best possible manner.”

Conservation efforts

Samad said the virtual tour is not only meant for recreational purposes, but the digitisation of the stupa and monastery will be useful for conservation efforts as well.

“The conservation team is using a laser scanning camera that produces highly accurate photos by capturing multiple points of the structure,” he added.

Azam Khan, secretary for K-P Department of Sports, Tourism, Archaeology and Youth Affairs, said modern techniques and tools are being used to conserve and preserve archaeological monuments and relics in the province.

Murtaza Taj, an assistant professor at LUMS, said a 3D model of the stupa and monastery will allow people to take a virtual tour of these ancient sites online. He said architects and conservationists can use 3D images to study the site with greater accuracy.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th,  2015.