From 70406327a8fbfa358cda27ba036117ca1beb5802 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Simon Hohl The idea was to create an information system using a map, i.e. a geographic information system (GIS). An existing archaeological map was used as a basis. It was digitised, georeferenced and the represented sites, once checked, were registered. The possibilities are very wide-ranging and scientifically relevant through their linkage with extended data. AYDA makes the monitoring of World Heritage sites possible. This allows the Yemenite authorities to conduct fast damage assessment and to take immediate protection measures. “If the antiquities authority or the responsible authorities cannot intervene immediately, at least the documentation has been made and if necessary the world’s public informed. Based on scientific research and the monitoring we can finally develop joint strategies as to how to deal with a site in the future.” AYDA will be accessible for selected researchers and cultural institutions. An Arabic user interface was developed; therefore, the system can be accessed and updated by entering new data and sites by Yemenite colleagues at the antiquities authority. This guarantees accurate monitoring, which is the basis for preservation and possible later development for the public.
- AYDA is made possible because of a large cooperation network. In addition to our cooperation partners in the field of archaeology, the project cooperates closely with researchers from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, HCU Hamburg, University of Tübingen and the Freie Universität Berlin. A team from the German Archaeological Institute (Sana’a Office) currently based in Berlin conducts the project. AYDA is part of the Archaeological Heritage Network and was financed by the Cultural Preservation Programme of the German Federal Foreign Office.