When the Section 106 process results in adverse effects to historic properties, federal agencies often use mitigation measures to preserve data for the public benefit. Common mitigation measures include “well-established, standard approaches such as archaeological data recovery (excavation) for a site or documenting a historic building that will be removed as a result of a project [and] photographic documentation may be appropriate for preserving at least some of that information.”
While both methods are tried and true, the cultural resources management community could expand mitigation initiatives to include the many emerging technologies which are becoming intertwined with our daily routines. As new means of information visualization are embraced by the general public, new opportunities to comply with the goals set out by Section 106 can be explored to ensure that the historic data being preserved under the mitigation is not only accessible to a wider audience but conveys the information in an engaging and innovative way.
Alternative and creative mitigation can be part of a broader mitigation package. Historical resources can be presented as digital assets with advantages, including reaching a broader public involvement, enhancing exposure of the project, and generating a renewed interest in supporting future preservation efforts.
Our expert presenters will provide an overview of emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), digital reconstructions, interactive interfaces and downloadable apps. The webinar will review examples of the technologies, showcasing how these resources can be employed to support Section 106 compliance as alternative and creative mitigation packages.
Participants will also learn about existing and emerging visualization platforms, along with practical examples, guidelines for adopting solutions that maximize longevity of the digital assets, and best practices for recruiting service providers, organizing RFPs and RFQs.
Note: This webinar will occur on Eastern Time
Presenters
Jose M. Kozan
Jose is an architect with a Master of Science in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, specialized in virtual heritage production. Until 2009 he was the Director of Media Production and Digital 3D Modeling at CERHAS (Center for the Electronic Reconstruction of Historical and Archaeological Sites) at the University of Cincinnati. At CERHAS, Jose participated in significant historical digital reconstruction projects such as Earthworks: Virtual Exploration of the Ancient Ohio Valley, Troy on the Internet, Historic Archaeology: Beneath Kentucky’s Fields and Streets, and the Fernald Preserve Visitors Center Exhibit.
Jose maintains continuing research on emerging technologies, including AR/MR applications for cultural heritage, and on expanding the outreach of 3D digital reconstructions originated from scientific data and interpretive processes.
Iara B. Kozan
Iara is an architect with extensive experience in the digital processes used to recreate vanished heritage, focusing on exploring the comprehensive reconstruction of non-extant architecture centered on web-based and mobile applications. She also has a Master of Science in Information Systems, with specialization in emerging technology research and project management.
Iara's research interests include AR, MR and XR development and applications, emerging technologies trends and evolution, and Human-Computer Interaction and Interaction Design studies.
