Just to up the stakes a bit, and thanks in large part to a grant from ROP of $65,000, EAST students at the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School now have access to software and equipment that allows them to digitally scan 3-D objects – even buildings.
“This is a new and emerging technology and we are the first high school in the world to have this available,” says Chip Fenenga.
It all came about after superintendent Paul Turnbull viewed a TED Talk presented by Ben Kacyra founder of CyArk. “A TED Talk is an informational-sharing discussion based on technology, entertainment and design,” explains Turnbull. The discussion ignited an idea.
“Based on my knowledge of what Chip is already doing in EAST using GIS technology to map out various projects, this seemed like the next evolution,” Turnbull says. The hand-held equipment discussed during the TED Talk is equipment Santa Ynez students are already using.
But, Fenenga notes, there is more to education than simply teaching students how to use technology – they must also make the next step and be able to use it to create. After all, eventually today’s youth will be the ones to design the places tomorrow’s technology reaches.
For the moment, however, it is preserving the past that is the forefront of the project. That is where CyArk comes in. CyArk is a 501C3 nonprofit organization with a mission to digitally preserve cultural heritage sites. By using laser scanning, digital modeling and other state-of-the-art technology, the organization collects and archives 3-D images of historic places.
Unlike artifacts safely housed in museums, the organization explains, cultural sites are constantly exposed to the environment. Sun, wind, rain – not to mention the potential devastation of earthquakes, fire or even war – all take a permanent toll on our man-made and natural wonders.
“CyArk’s work and goals fit nicely with education,” says Fenenga. Over the course of the summer, he took classes with CyArk trainer Justin Barton to learn both the software and hardware used in the process, and to develop a plan to integrate the information into the EAST program. “They are really intense and complex, but I am excited to see what we can do with this,” says Fenenga.
Laser-scanning technologies are one of the newest developments in survey documentation and recording.
Replacing traditional methods using measuring tapes and theodolites, new technology employs laser beams to scan objects creating a cloud of accurately measured points in a matter of seconds, Fenenga explains.
The raw set of data, each known as a “cloud point,” contains millions of measurements which are accurate to the millimeter or fraction of a millimeter. Each point is precisely reference with an X, Y, Z coordinate relative to all other point locations.
Because of its increase speed and accuracy, 3-D laser scans are now employed to record a variety of large-scale objects including buildings, nature-made structures and topographies, says Fenenga. But they can be also used to map small exquisitely-detailed sculptures.
“Commercially, laser scanning has been found to be very effective in the documentation of structures such as oil and chemical refineries, highways, bridges and other complex structures, producing accurate ‘as-built’ measured drawings in very little time and with minimal expense compared traditional methods,” Fenenga explains.
What with 3-D scanning’s growing popularity in the architecture and archaeology fields as an acceptable standard for site documentation, Fenenga is excited to give local students hands-on experience. Not only will students have a leg up on learning, but they will also be helping to preserve the Valley’s heritage.
One of CyArk’s current projects is the digital preservation of California’s El Camino Real – the Mission Trail. Stretching from San Diego to Sonoma, the Valley lies directly on the path the missionaries once took. Since the 1680s, when this journey into history began, the route has seen many changes as urban development paved over what once were walking and donkey trails and prompting calls to preserve what’s left.
After winning second place in the Heritage Trust Project in April of this year, CyArk applied their winnings to their preservation efforts, starting with Mission Dolores of San Francisco, near CyArk’s headquarters. EAST students hope to assist in the project by digitally preserving the Santa Inez Mission for generations yet to come.
“As we move forward,” says Fenenga. “We will work with various groups, educational institutions and professionals, hopefully developing internships and connections for students.” Part of getting local students that extra edge, when it comes later to finding jobs, includes connecting them with resources outside the classrooms walls.
“I hope to try to give our students an advantage in the classroom and in college applications,” says Turnbull. He was very appreciative of ROP’s willingness to support the school by funding the undertaking. Noting CyArk’s relationship with universities and vendors, Turnbull explained how the school was able to purchase the equipment at a lower cost than would otherwise be available, stretching the budget much further than would normally be possible.
And while the new equipment and software brings exciting opportunities to Valley students, it supplements rather than replaces other programs. “It doesn’t free up dollars for us to use somewhere else,” says Turnbull. Without the grant, the opportunity simply would have slipped away. Under the ROP umbrella, the resource is able to reach the most students.
ROP, which stands for Regional Occupational Program, is administered at the county level and provides high-quality technical and career education, development and workforce preparation to students. Classes are available to anyone who is at least 16 years of age. They do not need to be otherwise enrolled in the school at which the class is held, which means both Refugio High School and homeschooled students can enroll in ROP classes.
“I’m just so excited about the opportunities this is opening for students,” concludes Turnbull. struax@syvjournal.com