Cyark

Conservation Management and Training Program In 2024 CyArk worked across a number of digital documentation projects aimed at supporting the conservation of cultural heritage, including providing training in 3D documentation to institutions and individuals. Program work included: Endangered Wooden Architecture Program The Endangered Wooden Architecture Programme is a grant-giving program that offers grants for the documentation of endangered wooden architecture. CyArk has worked with Oxford Brookes University since program inception to develop training materials, standardize equipment, and provide training to grantees. In 2024, CyArk conducted training workshops with grantees from Romania, Chile, India, Indonesia, China and Sierra Leone. Preserving Ukrainian Legacy, Ukraine CyArk continued development of partnership with Ukrainian NGO Archac, aimed at enhancing the 3D documentation skills of Ukrainian cultural heritage professionals. Conducted at Jagiellonian University in Poland, an additional training equipped new participants from cultural institutions with skills to document endangered cultural heritage. Heritage Documentation Training Grant Program Following the success of its inaugural cohort, CyArks Heritage Documentation Training Grant program continued in 2024 to empower more heritage professionals with 3D mapping skills. The grant offers a select group of individuals intensive online training in photogrammetry and data processing, along with mentorship on real-world projects. In late 2024, CyArk opened a new application cycle for this program, aiming to build a broader global network of practitioners who can document and protect cultural sites. Ten new participants were selected from an international pool of applicants to begin training (starting December 2024) in cutting-edge 3D documentation techniques. CyArk Short Courses Based on the success of CyArks training programs, CyArk launched a new series of short courses aimed at professionals wanting to apply CyArks methods to their own projects. CyArk held the two initial courses in this paid training program in 2024.

Open Access Archive In 2024, CyArks partner, the Cultural Heritage Engineering Initiative (CHEI) at UC San Diego, continued to manage the day-to-day operations of OpenHeritage3D leading to steady growth of this public archive. The repository expanded to over 500 datasets of cultural sites by the end of 2024 as new contributions were added by CyArk and other organizations. These datasets (including laser scans, photogrammetry imagery, and other spatial data) are published under open licenses to maximize their reusability.

Fujairah Fort, Fujairah (United Arab Emirates) In May 2024, CyArk traveled to Fujairah to document the Fujairah Fort, the surrounding historic village, and the Husn Madhab archaeological site in collaboration with the Tourism and Antiquities Department of Fujairah. During this visit, CyArk also provided a workshop to the Department on how 3D-recording technologies can be used to support heritage preservation. During CyArks time on site in Fujairah, the team used LiDAR laser scanning and photogrammetry to capture the Fujairah Fort and surrounding buildings, resulting in an extremely high-resolution 3D model. This comprehensive digital data will support ongoing preservation efforts and serves as the foundation for an interactive online educational experience hosted on CyArks Tapestry platform. This experience includes engaging video interviews with community members and academic experts, offering rich insights into this important site. By bringing the Fujairah Fort to a global audience, this project ensures that