New AI monitoring system to protect historic sites from natural disasters, war

Paris’s cultural heritage community has taken a major step forward in protecting historic sites from threats like climate change and war with the formation of HeritageWatch.AI. The independent, non-commercial initiative, launched at France’s culture ministry during the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, brings together expertise from satellite imagery, 3D modeling, heritage preservation, and artificial intelligence.

The partnership structure: HeritageWatch.AI unites four organizations in a groundbreaking collaboration to protect cultural heritage sites through advanced technology.

• The alliance includes 3D-modeling firm Iconem, satellite company Planet Labs PBC, the Aliph Foundation for heritage protection, and Microsoft
• Microsoft has committed $1 million over four years plus $750,000 in services, while Aliph has contributed $250,000
• Planet Labs PBC, founded by three NASA scientists, will provide imagery from its network of 200 satellites

Technical implementation: The initiative combines multiple technologies to create a comprehensive monitoring and response system for heritage sites.

• Satellite imagery from Planet Labs is processed to create detailed 3D models by Iconem
• Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab analyzes the data alongside climate information to identify sites at risk
• The system enables real-time monitoring and predictive analysis of threats to cultural sites

Current impact and applications: The Aliph Foundation has already demonstrated the effectiveness of rapid response funding for heritage protection.

• Since 2017, Aliph has distributed $100 million in grants to over 500 heritage projects worldwide
• Notable interventions include $500,000 for Beirut’s Sursock Museum after the 2020 port explosion
• Multiple Ukrainian cultural institutions have received support following Russia’s 2022 invasion

Preventive approach: HeritageWatch.AI represents a shift from reactive to proactive heritage protection strategies.

• The system will monitor gradual threats like desertification in the Sahel region and rising sea levels affecting coastal sites
• Early warning capabilities allow for implementing protective measures before disasters strike
• Organizations can develop preservation plans and identify rehabilitation projects in advance

Looking forward: While HeritageWatch.AI shows promise in modernizing heritage protection, its success will depend on continued funding and the effective integration of multiple complex technologies. The initiative could serve as a model for how artificial intelligence can be applied to preserve humanity’s cultural heritage in an increasingly unpredictable world.