High tech engagement at New Scientist Live North
Wessex Archaeology was thrilled to make its debut at New Scientist Live North this year. This edition of New Scientist Live saw Wessex Archaeology’s Geomatics experts take over our stand in a three day showcase of how technology is helping us record archaeology for the future. Between 12th – 14th March, our Geomatics experts demonstrated how we use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), drone simulators, SLS, and 3D printing across our work to show the innovative ways technology and engineering can be used to make heritage more accessible.
i) View from the Wessex Archaeology stand at New Scientist Live North, ii) Community Engagement Coordinator, Natasha Bramall, engages with visitors at our stand, iii) Large school groups keen to try out our drone demonstration during New Scientist Live North
UAV Technologies and Drone Simulation
Our UAV showreel gave an insight into the vital role UAV technologies play in finding and recording heritage across sites ranging from field surveys to complex indoor operations such as that seen at Bath Abbey. Our visitors were also able to operate a drone simulator via remote control and experienced first-hand how our pilots use these flights to record rare heritage features.
Anthony Russell, Principal Geospatial Specialist and Chief Pilot at Wessex Archaeology reveals why this was such an exciting opportunity for the company -
“Helping people engage with, and understand, the Archaeology and Heritage around them is something I am very passionate about and there are so many ways in which UAVs (drones) are at the forefront of this – from broadcasting live video feeds for people who might not otherwise be able to access the site, to collecting data for 3D digital twins or reconstructions of lost heritage – UAV is a tool that is increasingly at the heart of all of this and it’s a very exciting time to be involved.”
Following the event, Beth Harrison, Community Engagement Coordinator, gives us an insight into what our attendance at New Scientist Live North means for the company’s future development –
“As one of the biggest events we have attended to date, our first New Scientist Live North weekend gave us an amazing opportunity to engage new audiences with archaeology. An invitation has now been extended for Wessex Archaeology to attend New Scientist Live’s flagship London event as well as other events across the country, extending our reach further and allowing us to continue enhancing people’s knowledge of archaeology.”
