From an Article By Rossella Lorenzi, Discovery News
A new internet platform has been launched today to rescue cultural heritage sites on the verge of being irremediably lost, said Global Heritage Fund, a California-based nonprofit organization that focuses on historical preservation.
Called Global Heritage Network (GHN), the platform is the first early warning and threat monitoring system for saving endangered sites in developing countries, where financial resources and expertise are limited.
Combining Google Earth, scientific mapping from Esri, satellite imagery from DigitalGlobe, and social networking, the platform aims to serve as an early warning system for site conservation leaders, archaeologists, local communities, government officials, and volunteers.
From the Global Heritage Fund Announcement:
GHN is comprised of a geospatial database using Google Earth, high-resolution satellite imagery and detailed mapping of the most significant archaeological and cultural heritage sites in the world’s poorest countries, while the GHN Community is a growing social network of professionals that enables discussion and contribution of up-to-date documentation of threats and conservation efforts at global heritage sites.
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Threats reported from the field by professional site monitors, international experts, local communities, volunteers and travelers. DigitalGlobe has donated multi-year satellite imagery for 600 sites at the highest resolution available and Esri has donated advanced mapping software for GHN site conservation teams valued at nearly $1 million.
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