Lamanai High Temple

The Cultural Heritage Exchange Initiative project in Belize was undertaken in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology (IA). CyArk worked with the IA participants from the community to provide training in 3D capture and place-based storytelling. The participants received training from CyArk over video sessions and then worked to document the High Temple using terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry to create a photorealistic model of the site. The trainees also worked to develop a tour that includes scripted content as well as interviews with other members of the community to share the significance of the site with a broader audience. The tour is being published on CyArk’s Tapestry platform which combines cutting-edge 3D modeling, engaging narratives, personal experiences, and interactive exploration in order to create connections to historic places. The resulting experience is available in English and Spanish. The Community Heritage Exchange Initiative (CHEI) focuses on documenting and sharing the stories of cultural heritage sites to support the exchange of community-centered stories that highlight the value and impact of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in its efforts to preserve and protect cultural heritage. CyArk, an American non-profit organization, is partnering with StoryCenter on the Virtual Tour component of the project to host workshops and create virtual tours of eight heritage sites around the world to make some of the heritage that has been preserved by AFCP virtually accessible to the public while also supporting local communities.