The Terracotta Army is a collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Discovered in 1974 near Xi'an in Shaanxi Province, this archaeological marvel dates to 210-209 BCE and was created as funerary art to protect the emperor in his afterlife. The site contains thousands of individually crafted warriors, each with unique facial features, expressions, and attire, alongside chariots, horses, and weapons. The remarkable craftsmanship demonstrates the advanced artistic and military organization of the Qin Dynasty. The warriors are part of a larger imperial mausoleum complex that remains largely unexplored. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides invaluable insights into ancient Chinese history, culture, and artistry while continuing to attract researchers and visitors from around the world.
The Alhambra is a stunning palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Spain. Built by the Nasrid dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries, it showcases exquisite Islamic architecture, intricate tilework, and lush gardens. Originally a royal residence, it reflects a rich blend of Moorish art and Andalusian culture. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most visited monuments, symbolizing centuries of cultural exchange.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, at an altitude of approximately 2,430 meters above sea level. Believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, the site remained unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, terraces, and panoramic mountain views. Machu Picchu is a symbol of Inca engineering and cultural achievement, offering insight into pre-Columbian civilization. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws millions of visitors annually and faces preservation challenges due to tourism and climate change.
In the Post-WW2, Cold War era, Germany was divided amongst the Allies and the Soviet Union. As the capital city, Berlin was also divided. The Soviets built the Berlin Wall to prevent migration between the sides. While today what remains is a physical concrete wall, this only represents part of the infrastructure, which included another wall on the Soviet side, an area of no-mans-land known as the death strip, and guard towers. In 1989, the border was opened, and the wall began to be brought down. Major governmental work was required to reunite the country and today, the main remnants are parts of the concrete wall. Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals is regarding Quality Education. Digital representations of the Berlin Wall would allow for increased education about the wall and the history leading up to its creation, enabling more people to learn about it, and promote Goal 16, promoting peace, by understanding past global conflicts. Furthermore, it contributes to Goal 11.4 of strengthening global cultural heritage.
A photograph showing a remaining Berlin Wall section at Niederkirchnerstraße
A photograph showing the Berlin Wall in 1986.
Robben Island is a UNESCO world heritage site due to the intangible heritage that the site represents. It served as a political prison for the Apartheid government of South Africa, where they held numerous people who fought against their regime. The most notable prisoner is Nelson Mandela who spent 18 years on the island through his 27 years of imprisonment by the Apartheid government. He then became the first President of a post-Apartheid South Africa. While most known for its Apartheid-era usage, it has been used a political prison since the 1600s, where Dutch colonialists imprisoned indigenous tribal leaders, opposition colonial leaders as well as the leaders of a mutiny on a slave ship, the Meermin. It also holds natural value, for example, scientists study the population of penguins resident on the island. Digital interpretation of Robben Island contributes to Goal 16 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals as it will allow promotion of justice, by teaching about prior injustice. This also links to Goal 10, reducing inequalities. Furthermore, it will contribute to Goal 11.4 through the strengthening of Cultural Heritage as it represents a key site for the story of the fight against Apartheid.
A photograph showing the entrance to Robben Island.
A photograph showing an overhead view of the entirety of Robben Island, with mainland in the background.
The Forth Bridge is a railway cantilever bridge across the Firth of Forth, west of Edinburgh. It is a piece of tangible, immovable heritage and represents a huge achievement in human engineering, while also being an important part of the rail network, as it has been since it was opened on the 4th of March 1890. Designed by engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker, it is 2.5km long including the approaches and contains 3 separate cantilever structures holding 2 spans of 520m each. Upon opening, this was the longest span of a cantilever design and remains the second longest span today. It was the first major structure in Britain to be built of steel and was named as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2015. 78 people are known to have died working on the construction of the bridge and the Briggers Memorial remembers them with a monument at both ends of the bridge. Digital interpretation of the Forth Bridge will aid the protection of the heritage surrounding it, contributing to Goal 11 (11.4) through the strengthening of cultural heritage. It also supports 11.2 through promotion of public transport as it is a key part of rail infrastructure.
A black and white photo from the late 1800s showing the Forth Bridge under construction.
A photograph showing the whole of the Forth Bridge from a diagonal onlook position on the banks of the Forth of Firth, on a sunny but mildly cloudy day.
Kakum National Park The Kakum National Park is in the central region of Ghana near Cape Coast. It covers an area of about 145 square miles (approx. 375 sq km). The park is named after a river called Kakum, which begins inside the park. Kakum National Park is ranked as the most visited natural attraction in Ghana. The park is considered to be the first rainforest canopy walkway in Africa and one of the best places in Africa to feature a canopy walk through trees. It even has tree houses and covers about 1,150 feet while connecting through seven different trees. The elevation of the park ranges from 443 feet to 820 feet. The park reports having different wildlife, including forest elephants, civets, Colobus monkeys, buffalo, red river hogs, pangolins, dwarf crocodiles, giant forest hogs, and North African crested porcupines. Brace yourself! Who knows what you will discover when you take the guided treks on the jungle floor or the canopy walkway up in the heights of the trees. Watching from a bird' s-eye view may give you a better chance to discover some new species. So far, 266 species of birds have been discovered within the park's boundaries. The Diana monkey, yellow-backed duiker, African elephant, and giant bongo antelope are some endangered species protected inside Kakum National Park. Are you interested in hiking? Then you have found the right place.
Kakum National Park Cinematic DRONE Shot, Ghana
Images from Kakum National Park, Cape Coast, Ghana
The house of Adem Jashari stands as a memorial in Kosovo in remembrance of the war that occurred from 1998 - 1999. In March 1998, Serbian police killed the Kosovo Liberation Army leader Adem Jashari and more than 50 of his family members. The only survivor, Bersarta, was Adem's niece, who was age 10 during the massacre. The house is preserved to remember the events that took place in Kosovo and as an act of resilience. Beyond the house, there is also a memorial complex that consists of a cemetery for Adem's family and a museum. Digitisation of the house and memorial complex could promote Sustainable Development Goal 16 to ensure individuals have access to education on the effects of the war.
Via Francigena is a historic pilgrim’s route from Canterbury to Rome. First travelled by Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 990, this historic pilgrimage route is now travelled by around 50,000 hikers yearly. The route begins at Canterbury cathedral, traveling to Dover and across the English Channel. The route continues through France into Switzerland, crossing the alps at the Great St Bernard Pass. After crossing the Italian border, the route continues down the eastern side of Italy and finishes at Rome. The route is mostly footpaths and rough trails, with substantial elevation change in some stages. This difficult terrain promotes SDG 3: good health and wellbeing. Walking is a far more environmentally responsible mode of transport than air travel, car or train, so promoting walking tourism (which the Via Francigena is an example of) can help contribute to SDG 13: climate action.
Via Francigena is a historic pilgrim’s route from Canterbury to Rome. First travelled by Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 990, this historic pilgrimage route is now travelled by around 50,000 hikers yearly. The route begins at Canterbury cathedral, traveling to Dover and across the English Channel. The route continues through France into Switzerland, crossing the alps at the Great St Bernard Pass. After crossing the Italian border, the route continues down the eastern side of Italy and finishes at Rome. The route is mostly footpaths and rough trails, with substantial elevation change in some stages. This difficult terrain promotes SDG 3: good health and wellbeing. Walking is a far more environmentally responsible mode of transport than air travel, car or train, so as well as benefiting pilgrims traveling on the route, promoting walking tourism (which the Via Francigena is an example of) can help contribute to SDG 13: climate action.
Protective Town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco
The Protective Town of San Miguel de Allende and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco represent exceptional examples of 18th-century Mexican Baroque architecture and cultural fusion. Established in the 16th century along the Royal Route, San Miguel reached its zenith in the 18th century when its distinctive religious and civic buildings were constructed. Located 14 kilometers from the town, the Jesuit sanctuary of Atotonilco showcases remarkable Baroque art including oil paintings by Rodriguez Juárez and murals by Miguel Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre. The site embodies the cultural exchange between European and Latin American traditions, particularly reflecting the influence of Saint Ignacio de Loyola's doctrine. The architectural ensemble demonstrates the transition from Baroque to neoclassical styles while preserving the colonial urban layout. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to serve as a living example of Spanish colonial influence and Mexican cultural identity.
The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is located in the central western Maldives in the Indian Ocean, north of the Kashidhoo Kandhoo channel. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, it encompasses 1,200 square kilometers of coral reefs, islands, seagrass meadows, and mangroves. The atoll supports one of the largest and most diverse reef systems in the Indian Ocean, functioning as a vital ecological bridge for marine species between the eastern and western Indian Ocean. Home to over 250 species of coral and 1,200 reef and pelagic fish species, the reserve is particularly renowned for its seasonal aggregations of plankton-feeding manta rays and whale sharks. The area demonstrates a long history of sustainable human interaction with the environment through traditional fishing practices. Today, it faces significant threats from climate change, including coral bleaching, sea-level rise, and increasing water temperatures.
Mapa de la Vía Francígena (ruta completa) con indicación de las principales poblaciones
The Secret Garden (Huwon, 후원), now famous for its stunning autumn scenery, is a royal garden inside Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. Built in the early 15th century during the Joseon Dynasty, it served as a hideaway for the royal family, featuring pavilions, lotus ponds, and even areas for reading and farming. Unlike typical royal gardens, which were often lavish and heavily ornamented, Huwon was designed to emphasize harmony with nature. Instead of reshaping the land, its structures were carefully built around the existing landscape—preserving hills, waterways, and ancient trees that still stand today. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, entry to the garden is strictly controlled, requiring reservations and limiting visitor numbers to prevent over-tourism. This aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) by prioritizing preservation over mass tourism. However, digital interpretation remains limited beyond basic photos and descriptions. Virtual tours and AR experiences could offer visitors access to restricted areas without harming fragile ecosystems, further supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land) while making the site more accessible to global audiences.
The most famous pond in Huwon, the secret garden.
St. Andrews Cathedral is a medieval cathedral in Scotland, built in the 12th century. It was once the largest church in the country, making St. Andrews the religious center of Scotland during the medieval period. However, it fell into ruin due to weather and the Scottish Reformation, leaving only fragments of its original grandeur. Its architectural style blends Romanesque and Gothic elements, reflecting its long construction period and multiple phases of rebuilding, making it a unique landmark. Although not a UNESCO site, St. Andrews Cathedral is protected by Historic Environment Scotland. Today, the ruins remain a symbol of Scotland’s religious, cultural, and architectural history, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) by preserving Scotland’s cultural heritage and ensuring public access to historical knowledge. In terms of digital interpretation, while current efforts are somewhat lacking, potential 3D digital reconstructions or VR tours could contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) by using technology to overcome accessibility barriers, allowing both remote and on-site visitors to engage with the cathedral’s history more effectively.
Bopomofo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ), also called Zhuyin Fuhao, is an intangible cultural heritage of Taiwan. It is a phonetic transcription system used exclusively in Taiwan to represent Mandarin pronunciation. Originating in the late Qing Dynasty, it was created to make Mandarin more approachable for learners and improve literacy rates. Unlike Pinyin, which uses the Latin alphabet, Bopomofo was designed as a completely independent script, aligning with the traditional vertical writing format of Chinese. It was added to the Unicode block in 1991, a crucial step in digital preservation. Today, it remains widely used in Taiwan—not only for typing and education but also as a symbol of cultural identity, appearing in signage, songs, merchandise, and business branding. Some experts argue that Bopomofo is a more efficient system for learning Mandarin because it aligns better with Chinese character structure. Digital interpretation, such as interactive language-learning apps and online courses using Bopomofo, can further engage both native speakers and learners. These advancements align with SDG4 (Quality Education) by making language learning more accessible and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) by supporting the cultural sustainability of Taiwan’s linguistic heritage.
An iconic Roman amphitheatre and revolutionary for its time. Capable of housing over 50,000 onlookers at its peak, it was known for bloody gladiatorial contests, spectacles and naval battles. Throughout time, the Colosseum has been affected by earthquakes, overtourism, climate change, looting and vandalism, and has endured the test of time as a symbol of Rome's genius and power. Digital representations will help make progress towards UN SDG goal 11 of Sustainable Cities and Communities in order to ensure responsible and sustainable tourism.
Overlooking the North Sea, this castle has had its fair share of battles throughout British history. Previously seating Northumbrian kinds, the castle was invaded by Vikings and endured shifts in British political history as a significant stronghold of the North. Bamburgh Castle still houses impressive collections of arms, artefacts and armour, which recall the stories of Britain's power struggle throughout time. Bamburgh is quintessential to England's cultural background, being a popular tourist site due to hit Vikings shows on Netflix being based on the castle. By digitising this structure, we achieve UN SDG Goal 4 of Quality Education by giving virtual tours of the castle with digital artefacts to explore and broaden the educational reach while preserving history.
Opened in 1846, the docks revolutionised maritime trade and has a long historical significance during wartime periods. The docks were vital to Liverpools global shipping routes, and have undergone a regeneration in the 1980s. Today, the docks are filled with vibrant bars, art museums , galleries and light installations, giving the area a vibrant and modern touch. Cultural events nearby symvolise Liverpools transition from key industrial player to a world-renowned cultural hub. Digitising the area fulfills SDG goal 8 of Decent Work and Economic Growth as the area provides lots of jobs and cultural events for people, and shows how funding towards heritage regeneration can help out the local economy while representing Liverpudlian culture.
Jiuzhaigou Valley, located in Sichuan Province, China, is a stunning natural reserve renowned for its multi-colored lakes, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rich Tibetan culture. Designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1992, it is often referred to as a "fairyland on Earth" due to its vibrant blue, green, and purple waters, which result from mineral deposits and light refraction. The valley is home to rare wildlife, making it an ecologically significant area. However, earthquakes, climate change, and excessive tourism pose challenges to its preservation. In response, digital conservation techniques such as 3D imaging, virtual reality (VR), and environmental monitoring are being implemented to safeguard its fragile ecosystem. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land), ensuring that Jiuzhaigou's breathtaking landscapes are preserved for future generations.
The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous defensive structures in history, originally built in the 7th century BC. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall symbolizes China's military, political, and cultural evolution. Today, it faces threats such as natural erosion and excessive tourism. Digital preservation methods, including 3D reconstruction, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), are being used to document and protect the site while enhancing visitor experiences and providing educational resources. These initiatives contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring the conservation of this historical landmark for future generations.
Pingyao Ancient City, located in Shanxi Province, China, is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in the country. Originally built during the Western Zhou Dynasty, it flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties as a major financial and trade center. The city is renowned for its well-preserved city walls, traditional courtyards, and ancient banking institutions. In 1997, Pingyao was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its authentic architectural style and historical significance. However, the city faces challenges such as urbanization and tourism pressure. Digital preservation methods, including 3D scanning and virtual tours are being used to document and protect the site while enhancing public engagement. These efforts contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by ensuring the conservation of this invaluable cultural heritage for future generations.
Komodo National Park, located in Indonesia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site established in 1980 to protect the endangered Komodo dragon and the park is home to approximately 5,700 Komodo dragons and over 1,000 species of tropical fish (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2010).Moreover, by 2000, around 1,200 people were living on Komodo island (WWF.Panda.org In 1991, Komodo was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site (WWF.Panda.org,) To support conservation, the park uses advanced technologies such as the SMART system, which enhances data collection and expands patrol coverage (World, 2022). This has vastly improved wildlife monitoring, ensuring the protection of key species like the Komodo dragon. Surveillance cameras are also used to prevent poaching and other illegal activities (Park, 2023). The use of digital interpretation on Komodo Island can facilitate the sustainable development targets of goal 15, life on land and goal 14 of life below water.
Culture,Immovable Culture Heritage,Intangible Heritage
Formerly the most densely populated area in the world, initially built as a military fort to report on the British during their colonization of Hong Kong. Afterwards it kept growing and became a non-governed area, attracting refugees and people with no where else to go. Firstly, the actual historical conditions of the city, as a “lawless slum” in addition to being the most densely populated area in recorded history, holds value as an example of urban density and self-organization contrasted with current standards. Furthermore, the Walled City was during an Hong Kong’s its colonization to Britian, as a means for the Chinese to keep watch on the British (Roos). Lastly, the walled city is also a point of interest for pop culture, particularly the “cyberpunk” genre. Currently, the Kowloon Walled City is being digitally preserved in some capacity, through virtual reality. However, unlike the other two examples, what is being preserved is not a one-to-one representation of the former city, but rather the essence of its aesthetics. This is done through digital media, utilizing the city as an inspiration for settings in video games (Bedingfield), as well as being settings within films. This improves the sustainable goal of education by informing of the existence of the walled city, and its cultural impact.
Formerly the most densely populated area in the world, initially built as a military fort to report on the British during their colonization of Hong Kong. Afterwards it kept growing and became a non-governed area, attracting refugees and people with no where else to go. Firstly, the actual historical conditions of the city, as a “lawless slum” in addition to being the most densely populated area in recorded history, holds value as an example of urban density and self-organization contrasted with current standards. Furthermore, the Walled City was during an Hong Kong’s its colonization to Britian, as a means for the Chinese to keep watch on the British (Roos). Lastly, the walled city is also a point of interest for pop culture, particularly the “cyberpunk” genre. Currently, the Kowloon Walled City is being digitally preserved in some capacity, through virtual reality. However, unlike the other two examples, what is being preserved is not a one-to-one representation of the former city, but rather the essence of its aesthetics. This is done through digital media, utilizing the city as an inspiration for settings in video games (Bedingfield), as well as being settings within films. This improves the sustainable goal of education by informing of the existence of the walled city, and its cultural impact. ely populated area in the world, initially built as a military fort to report on the British during their colonization of Hong Kong. Afterwards it kept growing and became a non-governed area, attracting refugees and people with no where else to go.
The Sagrada Familia is the most famous project by Gaudi, has been under construction since 1882 and is the most visited landmark in Spain and was deemed a World Heritage site in 2005 UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2013). The Sagrada Familia combines Gothic and Art Nouveau styles inspired by nature and Gaudi’s inspiration can be rooted in nature and the 19th century modernism movement, which rejected traditional values and styles and prioritised new materials and textures (Prinseps, 2019). Digital technologies such as CAD, 3D modeling, and virtual reality have facilitated construction and tourist experiences (Blog Sagrada Família, 2017), such as virtual exploration for remote tourists. The Sagrada Familia largely contributes to Spain’s economic growth through tourism and supports education with educational programs and workshops. Using digital interpretation, the Sagrada Familia can meet the sustainable development targets of goal 8,decent work and economic growth and goal 4 of Quality education.
Angkor Wat is situated in Siem Reap, Cambodia and is made up of 12 main temples which are the remains of the Khmer Empire of the 9th to 15th century and is the largest religious monument in the world which was originally a hindu temple (Patricija, 2021). Angkor Wat is considered one of Southeast Asia's most important cultural landmarks. Historically, when buddhism was of preference over hinduism, buddha faces were subsequently carved into temples around the site, therefore, showcasing the hinduism and buddhism influences (Patricija, 2021). Digital technologies have played an important role in preserving Angkor Wat. Projects such as 3D mapping and modeling have created detailed reconstructions of the city and its inhabitants. The ‘Virtual Angkor’ platform allows users to explore the site remotely, offering an immersive experience (Virtual Angkor, n.d.). Additionally, LiDAR technology has visually shown hidden infrastructure including ancient roads and water systems, providing greater insights into the site's historical significance (Evans et al., 2013). Angkor Wat can use digital interpretation to address the sustainable development targets of Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth and Goal 11 of Sustainable Cities and communities.