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.
A black and white photo from the late 1800s showing the Forth Bridge under construction.
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 photograph showing an overhead view of the entirety of Robben Island, with mainland in the background.
A photograph showing the entrance to Robben Island.
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 Berlin Wall in 1986.
A photograph showing a remaining Berlin Wall section at Niederkirchnerstraße
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Immovable Culture Heritage,Underwater Cultural Heritage,Tourism
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.