Backup Ukraine – Preserving Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage: A Digital Backup in the Cloud
Backup Ukraine lets anyone become an archivist. You can scan buildings and monuments as full 3D models using just your phone. And store them in an open, secure online archive — where no bombs can reach.
In order to safeguard Ukraine’s national identity and protect its cultural heritage from destruction, it is crucial to find innovative solutions. Blue Shield, known as the “red cross for culture,” has highlighted the urgent need to preserve cultural heritage, as its destruction can swiftly erase a country’s identity. To address this concern, a groundbreaking initiative ‘Backup Ukraine’ has emerged that utilizes digital technology to create a backup of Ukraine’s cultural treasures.
The concept behind this initiative is to create a digital archive in the cloud, where these valuable artifacts can be securely stored, far from the reach of bombs and other threats. For the first time ever, UNESCO has empowered every citizen to contribute to this endeavor by creating high-definition 3D models using nothing more than their smartphones. The resulting data is saved as blueprints within a cloud-based 3D archive, ensuring that even if the physical artifacts are destroyed, they can be faithfully reconstructed in intricate detail.
To execute this ambitious project, a partnership was forged with a 3D startup called POLYCAM. Their cutting-edge photogrammetry technology was customized for campaign ‘Backup Ukraine’, employing machine learning algorithms to convert the data captured by smartphones’ built-in cameras, LiDAR, and location sensors into high-definition 3D digital blueprints. A user-friendly mobile application was developed for both iOS and Android platforms, enabling ordinary Ukrainians with minimal training to capture high-quality 3D models previously attainable only by professional film studios and development experts equipped with costly tools.
The impact of this initiative has been profound. Through the publication of over 150 articles, sharing across more than 1000 platforms, and amassing a staggering 135,000 views, the message has reached every corner of Ukraine, transforming every citizen into a guardian of their national heritage. The collaboration with archival experts ensured that the data was preserved at museum-level standards, while enabling trusted partners to export the data in over 10 different 3D formats.
Moreover, privacy measures were implemented to protect the precise locations of these collections, shielding them from looting invaders and targeted airstrikes. By incorporating these precautions, museums can confidently contribute to the initiative without compromising the safety of their artifacts.
The results have been remarkable. With over 50,000 downloads and more than 35,000 captures made by Ukrainian citizens, this project has surpassed the efforts of even the world’s most prominent museums and art collections. Furthermore, the initiative has garnered support from six NGOs, and seven international firms have generously donated equipment, funding, and assistance to the dedicated volunteers on the ground. In anticipation of potential disasters, 3D printing technology has been utilized to create replicas of threatened statues, ensuring that Ukraine is prepared for the worst.
The success of this initiative has not gone unnoticed. Unesco’s National Commissioner took to public broadcasts, urging neighboring countries to follow Ukraine’s lead and initiate the scanning of their own heritage before it becomes too late.
By combining the power of digital technology, citizen participation, and strategic partnerships, Ukraine has taken a significant step toward safeguarding its cultural heritage. The creation of a cloud-based digital archive has not only provided a means to preserve these invaluable artifacts, but it has also fostered a sense of national pride and unity among Ukrainians. With ongoing support and cooperation, this initiative can serve as a model for other nations facing similar threats to their cultural legacies.
Credits
Agency: VIRTUE, Copenhagen
Campaign: Backup Ukraine
Client: Blue Shield, Polycam, Unesco Denmark
