Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
In a first epoch the Task Group 2 initiative was successfully chaired by Markus Jobst, of
Research Group Cartography at Vienna University of Technology (Austria). Currently we
are starting a new era chaired by Prof. Pilar Chias, at the University of Alcalá (Spain).
2. Main targets of the task group
Researches on Cultural Heritage have wide connotations related to the characteristics of the
cultural objects that are considered, as well as to the particular targets and methodologies
that can be applied in each case.
As a first stage, a deep knowledge of the cultural objects is needed, and adequate
documentation processes become essential. But depending on the kind of cultural object that
is being studied, it is necessary to collect and store a high amount of datasets in various
formats, to draw accurate maps and sketches, to take pictures, and to write detailed
descriptions (or transcriptions). Thus, useful software for writing, drawing, image
manipulation and mapping is needed.
An easy and efficient data recording and archiving, as well as a quick access to all these
digital materials become fundamental in the processes of documentation and storage of the
cultural heritage. The other aim is to get high quality information from them. The later
analysis processes must lay the foundations to propose the right conclusions, and to make
the appropriate decisions. In this stage, GIS become a useful tool.
Finally, an efficient prospective plan must include management and preservation actions, as
well as wide realist communication and dissemination programmes, including online
platforms.
All these tasks and their related activities can be successfully approached and developed by
using Open Source software. It provides the necessary office and prepress tools, multimedia
and graphic editors (both vector and raster formats), friendly computer aided design (CAD)
and 3D modelling software, as well as geographic information systems (GIS) and other
publishing products.
According to it, the Task Group's strategies will correspond to two main objectives:
1.
Related to the cultural heritage:
Improved knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritage, covering the
different 'cultural properties' [4].
Improved methodologies in order to get a deep knowledge and an accurate
documentation of each cultural object, encouraging an integrated interdisciplinary
approach.
Collaboration between involved research groups and other related initiatives.
More effective preservation and management.
2.
Related to the Open Source tools to be used to accomplish these targets:
Dissemination of Open Source software capabilities in order to fulfill objective no. 1.
Greater accessibility to the public via the Task Group web site, but also through
courses, conferences and online materials, as well as other cultural actions.
Wide offer of academic courses at the Universities involved.
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