3D technology being used for historical preservation of Natchitoches
'The intent of the two-week 3D Digital Field School is to engage high school-age students from the local community in documenting Natchitoches' history, primarily in the African American neighborhoods of Jackson Square and the Hill,' the release stated 'The research opens the students up to the importance of historic preservation and teaches valuable technology transfer skills.
'Students spent the first week working on site and using drone technology under the guidance of JD Cox, professor of history and coordinator of NSU's RSST (Remote Systems Science & Technology) and ARGO (Advanced Remote & Geospatial Operations) Lab, and Jason Church, chief of technical services for NCPTT, to gather data and visuals from the former Catanese Grocery on North Street, a former coffin factory and other structures in the area once part of a busy neighborhood. Students use drone technology and handheld scanners to safely document the imperiled buildings.
'Students then spent a week in the computer lab putting data into a database and creating maps that allow viewers to walk through the buildings virtually. With the addition of photographs and oral histories, the information tells the story of the buildings, even after they cease to physically exist.'
The event will be held on Friday, June 13, at 12:15 p.m. at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, 800 Front St. in Natchitoches. The event is free and open to the public, and guests are encouraged to bring their lunch during the presentation.
'Please come out if you can and support our hard-working students,' Church said. 'Last year's lecture was the largest attended lunchtime lecture, and we want to top last year's numbers.'
For more information about NSU's ARGO lab or NCPTT, visit nsula.edu/argo or nsula.edu/techservices.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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