Appendix Six: The Preservation Process at Work Resource Identification Documentation Analysis Data Management Conservation Protection Education *************************************************************************** 1. Resource Identification: Predictive modeling and remote sensing techniques are used to identify a potentially significant site of prehistoric or historic cultural activity. The predictive computer models utilize artificial intelligence capabilities to define the criteria which indicate evidence of cultural activity or impact on the landscape. Powerful computer processors that employ superconductive components and superchips sort through the massive volumes of remotely sensed data (from space borne and aerial sources) in order to identify landscape anomalies that differentiate the evidence of human impact from naturally occurring features. The computer generated list of potential cultural sites is then corroborated through close range remote sensing techniques and field inspection. 2. Documentation: Along with the use of multispectral, radar, and magnetic remote sensing devices, cultural sites are comprehensively documented using high resolution digital video recording equipment. The cultural landscape reflects man's activities and interactions with the natural environment. Whether buildings, roads, manipulations of the soil, or simple responses to the natural condition, the landscape marked by human activity is the most enduring monument to the presence of mankind. In addition to the documentation of the individual resource, the surrounding site and landscape are videographically recorded to accurately portray the spatial relationships and environmental/cultural character of the larger context of the urban, industrial, or rural setting. In this methodology, three dimensional reference objects (reference stadia) are placed on or adjacent to the subject buildings (or ruins, etc.) in order to establish object scale. The video crew then works its way around the exterior of the structures, recording overall views and the larger context of the site. In addition, the crew videotapes detailed information about the material types, joints, evidence of physical condition and material performance, unique or significant design or construction features, and specific environmental information. Conditions permitting, interior views of the structure are similarly recorded in the context of spatial qualities, design intent, quality of craftsmanship, furnishings, etc. The completed video record represents a primary documentary source, and it is archivally secured in order to preserve record quality. Selected frames of the video record are transferred to the computer environment using a frame grab board with digital signal capture capabilities. Digital audio recordings of environmental sounds, commentary, and oral histories are also transferred to the computer environment, parsed, and linked to appropriate graphic data fields. Additional sensory evidence (tactile and olfactory) that contributes to the characterization of the site and associated historic activities is also compiled and indexed to the resource record. Historic written and graphic materials are electronically scanned into the digital information base using systems with appropriate graphic capabilities (300-2000 dots per inch resolution; monochromatic with up to 256 gray shades; color with up to 32,000 colors). Hand written, typed, and typeset textual information is converted from graphic to ASCII format through an optical character recognition program. 3. Analysis: Close range application of remote sensing and predictive modeling techniques serve architectural concerns in evaluating the integrity of historic building structure and fabric. Digitized images of historic materials are examined through multispectral techniques to determine age, authenticity, structural character, and condition. A database of materials signatures (with an assigned gradient from healthy to failing for each of a range of historic and contemporary building materials) provides the AI engine with the criteria for comprehensively, but non-intrusively, assessing the condition of the historic structure or artifact. Images of selected buildings and fragile artifacts are subjected to computerized dimensional analysis in order to generate accurate CADD drawings and 3-D graphic models of existing conditions. Views acquired from historic photographs are also dimensionally analyzed to enable the accurate computer generated graphic modeling of the historic scene, and the evolution of the site from an historic to a contemporary context. The graphic representations will enhance the understanding of the character and quality of historic resources, as well as the impact of past, present, and future threats on the integrity and viability of each cultural resource. 4. Data Management: The massive volumes of data that constitute the resource record are stored in a digital format on optical disks. Magneto-optical devices are used as a working medium for information processing and supplements to the resource record. CD-ROM devices are used as an archival digital storage medium for the assembled information base. To accommodate the graphic component of the resource record, compression algorithms reduce image file size by more than 99%, and dedicated image processing superchips with superconductive components permit the real time (1/30 sec.) decompression of high resolution color image files. Similarly, compression algorithms process audio files for more efficient storage, and decompress them for serial transmission in real time on user demand. The information generated by the activities of the preservation process is compiled in a hypermedia environment to facilitate integrated preservation information management. The interactive environment provides rapid user access to the full range of data fields and data types that constitute the resource record. Network links to related records and other reference resources are constructed to facilitate information processing. The user interface to the information base is predominantly via natural language processing. The user directs the processing of the information path and the synthesis of information nodes through voice commands. Audio and textual information stored in other languages is translated into English text or audio as required by the user. Text files can either be viewed and processed in an ASCII format, or processed as audio files. 5. Conservation: Based on the analysis of the accumulated evidence, a determination of historic significance and integrity is established. Using computer generated 3-D graphic simulations and predictive modeling techniques, the projected implications of alternative conservation strategies and associated costs are visually depicted. The resource management decision process is facilitated by free space holographic representations of information regarding the historic, contemporary, and projected context of the historic site. The process of graphic evaluation of alternatives provides a fuller understanding of near and long term management consequences, and provides a foundation for better informed decisions to ensure conservation of significant features, materials, qualities, and associations. A global conservation knowledge network utilizing the ISDN protocol provides a digital forum for the exchange of information regarding conservation strategies and techniques. Through the use of a collaborative software (groupware) environment, the network facilitates a global dialogue between conservation professionals as a means to share personal experiences and insight, as well as technical information derived from product application and research. The individual participant in the network can tailor a computer automated extraction of information from the network by activating a programmable data filter that monitors the global knowledge base for information relevant to specifically defined issues and problems. The integration of preservation information into a hypermedia environment facilitates the generation of conservation documents, from task specific work orders to comprehensive preservation directives. The hypermedia environment provides a foundation for the organization of a massive preservation knowledge base from which a user can extract text (specifications), graphics (working drawings and 3-D models), and material lists (product literature) appropriate to an individual project. The digital information is then utilized as a computer based "electronic working document" in a format (text, 2-D and 3-D graphics) that best meets the requirements of the application. Miniaturization of powerful electronic components (superchips) and the development of sophisticated graphics processing algorithms endow laptop computers with the requisite high resolution 3-D displays, immense optical storage capabilities, and real time animation and digital video capabilities to make them effective as portable work environments and as vehicles for the dissemination of project documents. Cellular communications links permit the exchange of information between the field site and the office environment (the contractor, subcontractors, the project manager/designer, engineering services, materials suppliers, the client, etc.). Project information is updated regularly through the cellular link, facilitating the resolution of field problems, change orders, scheduling conflicts. The hypermedia environment is also linked to the project document, so that the extraction of additional information from the knowledge base is possible, and to ensure that any modification of the electronic project document is recorded in the originating hypermedia document. 6. Protection: Significant historic artifacts, writings, and graphic materials are accurately replicated as digital constructs in order to preserve their integrity while facilitating access to the information they contain or represent. The placement of the historic resource in an archivally stable environment ensures its continued protection. The digital construct (or clone) ensures the productive utilization of the resource for research, interpretation, and education activities. High capacity storage media (optical disks) are used to archive digital information resources. A StereoLithographic Apparatus produces 3-D clones of historic artifacts, tools, and utensils. The ability to generate surrogate experiences through which contemporary individuals interact with the component parts or the whole of an historic scene increases the understanding of conservation values and substantiates the socioeconomic foundation for cultural resource protection. Culturally significant sites and structures are continually monitored for adverse impacts through electronic subsurface, surface, and remote sensory devices. These superchip devices have integral processing capabilities, and together, they constitute a comprehensive spatial data management system (SDMS). The individual programmable devices have specific predefined tasks (monitoring building movement, moisture content in building materials, the volume of visitor use, environmental quality, weather patterns, etc.). The whole of the site is a 3-D computer environment that is linked to a monitoring component of a central resource management system. This system also monitors the impact of forces, events, and policies that are external to the specific resource site. The accumulated body of information is continuously processed by an AI system that is programmed to recognize problems that threaten resource integrity, and to report policy, task, and scheduling recommendations. As a function of the global conservation knowledge network, movable cultural resources are cataloged and monitored to mitigate the traffic in the theft and illegal sale of antiquities. The network can be queried for status reports on stolen or missing objects, as well as on current traffic reports and the status of known traffickers in the illegal antiquities trade. 7. Education: The educational agenda for cultural literacy will be fulfilled through the application of virtually all of the technologies discussed in this document. Fundamental to education processes is the nature of the user interface with the preservation knowledge base. Natural language processing capabilities will permit a virtual dialogue between the user and the machine environment, and between the various users of the network "machinery." The high degree of user discretion in defining paths through the information base, in marking and retracing paths, and in following paths defined by others establishes an appropriately interactive environment for learning. The sensory richness of the information base (audio, visual, olfactory, and tactile data) comprehensively represents the character of the constituent cultural resources. Representational techniques employing 3-D animation, stereoscopic video, and projected holography create a virtual reality from the resources of the information base, placing the system user into a simulated construct of the historic context. The miniaturization of electronic hardware components (superchips, superconductors, screen display, and storage media) and the development of powerful software modules and operating environments (compression algorithms, hypermedia systems, groupware) means that preservation information systems are highly portable, and can be utilized in environments and at times most suitable for learning. The technologies have facilitated the application of the concept of the open classroom for both the group and the individual user. Index to the Appendices Monitoring Technological Developments Exploiting the Mind Integrated Planning Preservation Design Strengthening the Preservation Process