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Houston, Texas (December 16, 2009) A historic 1932 Immanuel Lutheran Church building, in the Houston Heights, is currently scheduled for demolition. Although the church has been the topic of fierce debate, its imminent destruction seems certain. It is unfortunate that structures like this one must be demolished, taking a piece of Houston's architectural history along with it. But now, thanks to technology, there is an alternative. Houston-based, Smart GeoMetrics is preparing to scan, photograph and digitally document Immanuel Lutheran Church through the use of High Definition Scanning (HDS) Documentation. When this process is completed, the archived digital data will provide the public access to the church in perpetuity and perhaps help bridge a chasm, which currently exists between historians and developers.
Smart GeoMetrics, and its partner CyArk, a non-profit entity, which digitally preserves cultural and historical sites all over the world, offered to digitally document the church because both are passionate about cultural preservation. Certainly, digital documentation does not take the place of a lost historic structure, but it does at least ensure access to a part of history for present and future generations.
The innovative 3D laser scanning technology has been used in the petrochemical, survey and engineering fields over the last 10 years. The use of Historical HDS Documentation, such as that being used for the Immanuel Lutheran Church project, is however, relatively new.
A 3D scanner uses a laser to collect literally millions of individual data points that are then tied together to create a three-dimensional point cloud. The point clouds are used to create highly accurate 2D and 3D models. That data can then be used to create CAD drawings, 3D models and when coupled with high dynamic range photographs can be used to create photorealistic 3D models, panoramic photographs and 360' virtual tours.
The archived data will also be hosted on CyArk's website and made available to the public. This data is an incredible resource for preservation professionals, conservators, architects, engineers, site managers and more.
"We are pleased that Smart GeoMetrics and CyArk are offering to use Historical HDS Documentation to preserve the 1932 Immanuel Lutheran Church building," said Ken Bakenhus, president of the church congregation. "This technology is an incredible way to digitally preserve our historical structure for the church congregation and its community supporters."
"Technology is making this preservation effort possible," said Richard Lasater, president of Smart GeoMetrics. "We read about the church and wanted to help. We believe in giving back to the community and are really passionate about preserving Houston's cultural heritage. The HDS documentation process provides a unique and lasting snapshot of any historical structure. Nothing can take the place of an historic structure, but when a building must be torn down, this technology can at least help preserve its cultural heritage for the future. The potential end uses of the archived data are limitless and the details of the imaging are incredibly accurate and precise," added Lasater.
HDS Documentation of the church is scheduled for the last week in December, just before the Smart Geometrics team leaves for Pearl Harbor to complete HDS Documentation of the WWII battleship, the USS Missouri, on which the Japanese surrendered to the United States at the end of the war. The ship is currently in dry dock, allowing for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to scan the entire hull. Funded by the USS Missouri Association, the project will take place in early January 2010 just before the ship returns to its permanent berth on Battleship Row.
For more information on digital documentation visit www.smartmm.com.
About:
Smart GeoMetrics is a Houston-based company that provides 3D high definition laser scanning, HDS Documentation and related services and equipment to the heritage, petrochemical and civil engineering industries. Smart GeoMetrics is a division of Smart MultiMedia, a leader in the creation of award-winning interactive and innovative digital learning materials.
CyArk is a non-profit entity whose mission is to digitally preserve cultural heritage sites through collecting, archiving and providing open access to data created by laser scanning, digital modeling, and other state-of-the-art technologies. Founded in 2001 and located in Orinda, California, CyArk partners with service providers, universities and other foundations to preserve the world's cultural heritage. They are currently working to historically document numerous historical and cultural heritage sites around the world.
