3D Laser scanning of Hampi underway

The Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology is undertaking a 3D laser scanning survey of the grandiose Hampi, the capital of erstwhile Vijayanagara empire and a UNESCO world heritage site.

The project has been launched under Union government Science and Technology Department’s India Digital Heritage Scheme. The department is confident of completing the project within the stipulated two year timeframe.

The exact size of the monuments can be accurately calculated to the last mm with the 3D scanning and the scanning of five monuments had already been completed, V P Vijay, Chief Co-researcher of KSCST, said.

Historians have collected all the information on the Hampi monument but the information vital for protecting the monument was lacking, he said. The laser scanning is being carried out to overcome this lacuna and the major beneficiary of this exercise would be Archaeological Survey of India which is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the monument.

The 3D scanning undertaken by the KSCST would provide important information that would help preserve the monuments scientifically, Deputy Superintending Officer of ASI Hampi sub-circle N C Prakash Naikanda, said. Moreover, the digital map of the Hampi would be providing comprehensive information to the tourists, he said.

Hampi bears testimony to the kingdom of Vijayanagara which reached its peak of glory under the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1530).