7 October. The ARIS09 course concluded last week.  This course is unique from other training courses, since it looks at the conservation of built heritage through the use of high technology documentation tools and easy to use techniques and research. 

The course looks at the proper use of these technologies and the participants are taught that appropriate selection and use of these tools are determined by the conservation needs. 

During four intensive weeks, we have covered the following topics: hand measurement; photography; thermal imaging; laser scanning; 3D modelling; time-lapse and balloon photography; strobe lighting; photogrammetry; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Global Positioning Systems (GPS); topographic survey; panoramic photographic; data management and video.

A case study was carried out on the frescoes in the right aisle of the Church of Santa Cecilia near ICCROM.  The structure and décor of the aisle was documented using hand measurement techniques and topographic survey.  The participants then captured digital stereo images of the frescoes and altars.  The rectified images were later used to conduct condition mapping - exploring original techniques of execution and previous interventions.  Thermal imaging was used to view the cooler damp areas at the base of the walls and around the doors to determine where future problems may occur. 

The participants were exposed to other tools during field excursions. At the site of Ostia Antica, GPS (Global Positioning System) was used to quickly map archaeological areas.  Near the Church of Santa Cecilia, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) were demonstrated to rapidly assess the buildings and their urban context.  For the entire length of the course, the data was managed in an information system designed by the course participants.

One of the important aspects of the ARIS course is that the participants learned from each other through short presentations, lectures, exchanges and preparation of reports.  Interesting aspects of different cultures were discovered as well as many useful documentation tools and innovative techniques. 

This course brought together not only seventeen participants from seventeen different countries but instructors and coordinators from an additional eight countries.  In all, twenty-five countries were represented.

By the end of the course, participants had a clear understanding that good conservation decisions are made when one has the knowledge of past interventions and current conditions of the cultural resource, and the awareness of its significance and history.

Member States represented: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Slovenia and The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

updated on: 13 April, 2010