Preserving Sudanese Cultural Heritage by Means of Photogrammetric three-dimensional (3D) Reconstruction

Abstract

The nations always pay a great attention to their cultural heritage, they are focusing on preserving it against gradual changes and damages caused accidently by humans or due to natural disasters. The National Museum of Sudan is one of the largest legacies in the country and includes hundreds of artifacts, statues, temples and other historical objects that the nation has undergone since it is inception. So the preservation of this museum and it is priceless components is a priority of the whole nation. This is the reason for the idea of designing three-dimensional models for the museum’s objects and features that had a historical importance to be part of the heritage conservation project. In future they should be maintained in a 3D model to help in the restoration of these pieces, just in case of partial or total damage to the specific artifact. The virtual reality model which is built by utilizing the most modern 3D technologies and GIS, and to be used in the future will guide visitors to locate artifacts, temples, and statues smoothly by just using their smart phones. Beside all of these considerations the research goal is to share the nation’s past with the future generations, so that they can be linked to their nation’s development, and to know how their ancestors exerted their efforts to build that nation. Moreover, the developed 3D models can be used to the promotion of the Sudanese national heritage by publishing them through the internet or mobile applications to stimulate tourism in Sudan and also to attract foreign tourists to visit the country to see these artifacts in reality. Hopefully, such measures will positively affect the Sudanese economy and feed the state treasury with some funds and money which will come from the tourism sector