Recent news regarding Scapa Flow’s categorisation as Scotland’s newest Historical Marine Park brings to light the capacity of photogrammetry in the documentation and preservation of our vital cultural assets. As AccuPixel has a keen interest in the preservation of cultural heritage –and cool shipwrecks– the site is a remarkable example of how we can leverage photogrammetry for the purposes of safeguarding and monitoring sites.
Photogrammetry permits the creation of comparable scans over a period of time. In doing so, we can enhance the aptitude of evaluating environmental change or, as we shall read later, artifacts removed from a site.
The History of Scapa Flow
Historically, Orkney’s Scapa Flow gains importance due to the natural topographic environment of the site. A large and protected harbor, perfect for housing a naval fleet. Becoming the main base for the British Grand Fleet in 1914, Scapa Flow operated as a significant naval base until 1965.
Most well known for the German Fleet under her waters, the naval fleet sank through self inflicted choice, rather than battle. At the end of the First World War, the German Fleet surrendered and was interred in Scapa Flow. Upset about the circumstance of the ceasefire and spurred by a sense of national pride, the German Navy opted to sink their own ships. Because of this brash decision, Scapa Flow’s compelling lore enhances its unique geography.
Today, the site offers a glimpse into the history of a crucial component of the British and German naval endeavors during both World Wars. The Historical Marine Park’s pertinence to AccuPixel’s photogrammetric and preservation interests are the incredible German cruisers and warships purposefully scuttled in 1919.
Back in 2017, Simon had the fortune of diving Scapa Flow with the skipper of the dive vessel Valkyrie, who knew he has a penchant for diving the unknown.
Diving the Past: the Historical Marine Park’s call for Preservation
A myriad of wrecks litter the seabed of the Historical Marine Park of Scapa Flow; shadowy remnants of battles won and lost. Despite the cold waters of the North Sea, Scapa Flow’s shipwrecks attract local and international divers. Sprawling debris fields surrounding sunken battleships makes for an alluring dive. Consequently, Scapa Flow’s mystique and call for divers generates significant tourism revenue for the region. Additionally, the Historical Marine Park continues to be a regular topic of discussion within the diving community.
Undoubtedly, Scapa might not be ideal for warm water divers. However, the recent Historical Marine Park status of a famous dive site reiterates the importance of preservation efforts. Not only do we see an incentive and moral obligation to document the underwater heritage, but we hope photogrammetry will be able to protect and assist in the preservation of the site. In doing so, we aim to ensure these shipwrecks are available for future generations to enjoy. So, how can photogrammetry assist in safeguarding and keeping an eye on the integrity of cultural heritage sites such as Scapa Flow?
Discoveries in the Historical Marine Park of Scapa Flow
In April 2017, Simon and a group of local of divers were visiting the wrecks of Scapa Flow. As the Valkyrie transited the Flow the boat’s echo sounder recorded an abnormal shape on the seabed. A quick chat with the skipper and overboard Simon went, camera in hand. An immediate quick circular search nd sheer luck is what leads to the discovery of a diesel pinnace dating from 1919. To find an artefact of such caliber is a thrilling moment for any military historian, diver, or explorer.
Naturally, Simon saw the chance to apply photogrammetry in the documentation and preservation of the diesel pinnace. 598 photos were taken to be able to create the complete 3D scan you can see below. Upon further inspection, nothing remained of the wooden hull, the pinnace engine and non-ferrous fittings. However, the helm-parts, various engine fittings, and and portholes, were recorded and left in situ. Nearby, a brass shell case, thought to be British and not contemporary of the wreck, was also recorded.
Finding a previously unknown wreck in Scapa was a find significant enough to justify a BBC report.
Despite the impromptu scan, the serendipitous photogrammetric survey allows for a rapid, detailed and digital record of a previously unknown site.
Additionally, the scan provides researchers the opportunity to analyse the marine life inhabitants of the wreck. We know photogrammetry will always struggle with moving subjects. However, static creatures between frames, such as crabs and squat lobsters, we can record.
Photgrammetry: Technology that Tracks
In summary, the recent news of Scapa Flow classification as a Historical Marine Park is a step forward for cultural and environmental enthusiasts and preservationists. Scapa Flow’s recognition demonstrates its pivotal role in the naval history of the British Royal Navy, its preservation is necessary. Photogrammetry offers a cost efficient and mobile method of digitally surveying a defined object or location. Periodic scans of the same site allow for the consistent monitoring of a site. We can gauge environmental change and pinpoint the removal of artifacts.
Scapa Flow is a large harbor. Thus, the host of numerous shipwrecks, further surveys of lesser and unknown sites will be beneficial. The Historical Marine Park is an international travel destination. As a result, the region’s commercial sector benefits from Scapa Flow’s continuing allure for divers and other visitors. As such, the preservation of Scapa Flow is sensible from both a cultural and economic perspective.
Consequences of Delayed Preservation Efforts
However, for the German Pinnace legal designation has come too late. Regrettably, the second group of divers to visit the site stripped every brass artefact. To date no record of recovery has been lodged with the Receiver of Wreck (a legal requirement). Additionally, the current location of the objects remains unknown.
Visible through periodic scans, we see the site faces looting threats. Without continued observation and increased protection for the heritage sites, we risk their loss. The degradation of the site can be a substantial loss for the public, visitors, and researchers. Stripping the sites removes context, destroying the components necessary to piece together the story of the site. Sadly, we can not stop all looting. However, photogrammetry allows for a 3D model of a site at an exact moment in time. The more proactive we are in documenting the sites, the less risk we face to lose it in its entirety.