People in Ukraine have started using 3D scanning tech to digitally save the country’s cultural heritage sites before they possibly get destroyed during the Russian invasion.
- The project, called Backup Ukraine, is helmed by the 3D scanning app Polycam, which partnered with UNESCO, Vice Media Group, Danish non-profit Blue Shield Danmark, Ukraine’s Heritage Emergency Rescue Initiative, and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine.
The Mission: The campaign's goal is to scan anything of cultural value in the country. Polycam is seeking volunteers who can use their smartphones and the Polycam app, which is free in Ukraine, to create 3D reconstructions of anything from mere photos.
- The company has agreed to provide hosting for all the scans for at least the next 5 years.
- The project’s website states, “Destroying a country’s cultural heritage is the fastest way to erase their national identity. In light of Russia’s false denial of Ukrainian sovereign and unique national identity, we take the destruction of the country’s history extremely seriously.”
