ITNOW's Popular Computer Science (or PopCompSci) brings the most exciting stories from around the world of computer science together for a taste of the unexpected ways in which tech is impacting our lives. Here, we tell you how master’s students and marine conservationists are collaborating to save and preserve HMS Victory while also creating a digital museum.
The University of Southampton and the National Museum of the Royal Navy have embarked on a pioneering collaboration that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance the preservation and understanding of our maritime heritage. This groundbreaking initiative involves three master’s students from Southampton working alongside museum archaeologists and curators to apply cutting edge AI technologies to various projects, including restoring HMS Victory. Victory was Vice Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar.
Dr Rodrigo Pacheco-Ruiz, visiting Fellow in Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton and National Museum of the Royal Navy, and Archaeological Data Manager for HMS Victory, said: ‘Archaeologists are obsessed with detail, and if records are not accurately stored, vital historical information could be lost forever. This is where the help of our University of Southampton students has been invaluable. They have developed an AI based algorithm to match images stored in different locations and add them to our digital 3D model to ensure accuracy.’
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Under the guidance of the University's CORMSIS research group, the students have pushed the boundaries of AI to manage and find value in the museum's vast amounts of historical data. Notably, they have automated the analysis and storage of over 3,000 additional images taken during the ambitious 10 year restoration of HMS Victory. By developing AI algorithms capable of matching and integrating images into digital 3D models of the ship, the project ensures unparalleled accuracy in recording historical details.
Moreover, the collaboration extends beyond restoration efforts. It addresses the evolving needs of museum cataloguing in the digital age. Amy Adams, Collections Information and Access Manager for the National Museum of the Royal Navy said: ‘Members of the public increasingly want access digitally, so the workload of a curator in capturing the necessary data has risen considerably. We still want people to visit in person, but the opportunity to share knowledge worldwide and engage more people in our nation’s maritime history is huge.’
