Seagate in Partnership With CyArk

Seagate Technology plc will help international non-profit organization CyArk & Partners to digitally preserve Tu Duc Tomb and An Dinh Palace in the Complex of Hue Monuments in Vietnam.

The project of digital scanning and archiving of the Unesco World Heritage site, approved by The People’s Committee of Thua Thien Hue Province, commenced earlier this month in cooperation with the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre (HMCC). All the data and images captured from the field exercise will be turned into photo-real 3D models to help enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the research, conservation and restoration of Hue Monuments.

“Last year, we presented the Ptolemy Data Science Award to CyArk to recognize their exceptional work that changes lives for the better. This year, we’re excited to continue our partnership to initiate their very first project in Vietnam and participate in this significant journey of cultural preservation,” said Robert Yang, VP of AsiaPac sales, Seagate. “We are committed to providing the best storage solutions because we believe in the value data can bring both to the present and the future. By leveraging Seagate’s technologies, CyArk is empowered to securely store, protect and process the data they capture, further enabling all sorts of new possibilities for future generations.“

Hue Monuments was selected by CyArk as part of their international program for digital preservation through aerial surveys conducted with drones, terrestrial laser scanning known as LiDAR, and photogrammetry exercises. CyArk will be producing 3D models and architectural drawings to aid Hue Monuments Conservation Centre in the ongoing conservation and management of the site.

Seagate supports CyArk both in the field and the office with its storage solutions such as the LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C SSD, 2big Dock Thunderbolt 3, and Seagate’s Nytro SSD, BarraCuda Pro 10TB, and other high capacity drives.

These devices ensure that the massive 3D capture data files from the field are safely backed up, centralized, and ready for processing to create detailed maps and architectural drawings that aid in the conservation of heritage sites. The stored data is also used to create exciting, interactive virtual reality experiences for Vietnamese, tourists and academics alike while helping to preserve the design and architecture of Hue Monuments’ ancient buildings and structures facing the ravages of time.

Dr. Phan Thanh Hai, director, Hue Monuments Conservation Center, said: “The final production of CyArk’s project, including all the photos taken with drones, LiDAR, etc. and the introduction clip about Tu Duc tomb and An Dinh palace will be stored and processed for architectural work which will help in the research, conservation and restoration of these monuments. This project raises the awareness both of the cultural value of Hue as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the importance of preserving world cultural heritage. Moreover, it demonstrates the possibilities of technology in enriching local residents’ knowledge of Vietnam’s history, culture and architecture as well as imbue a sense of national pride in the next generation.“

“Tu Duc’s Tomb is an important landmark within the Complex of Hue Monuments in Vietnam and carries important cultural significance for the Vietnamese people,” said CyArk’s CEO John Ristevski. “We are thrilled to be able to digitally preserve this authentic cultural treasure to ensure that the site’s universal significance remains accessible for future generations to come.“

The Complex of Hue Monuments is located in and around Hue City in Thua Thien-Hue Province in the geographical center of Vietnam. Established as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hue was the political, cultural and religious center of the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. The Complex of Hue Monuments site has suffered from the effects of wars, as well as modern development and expanding human settlements. In addition, climate change and natural disasters such as floods are other potential problems for the long-term management of the property.

The Complex of Hue Monuments is wholly-owned by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and protected by the National Heritage Law, as well as a number of other provincial regulations and decisions.

Since 2003, CyArk has amassed high-tech digital records of over 200 heritage sites in 40 countries, including Wat Phra Si San Phet in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.