Application of VNREDSat 1 satellite imagery data in preservation of cultural and natural heritages in central region

13/09/2017

Scientists from the University of Natural Sciences under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Cu and some partner members from the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, the University of Quang Binh, the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and the Mientrung Institute for Scientific Research, have recently successfully carried out the project VT/UD-03/14-15 on studying the application of images taken by VNREDSat-1 and geographical information serving the preservation of cultural and natural heritages in the central region, with pilot cases in Hue city and the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, from January 2014 to June 2016. On 27 August 2016, the project was adopted and assessed to be at a good level by the State Council on Science and Technology.

The project was carried out to assess the ability of application of VNREDSat-1 satellite images in preserving cultural and natural heritages, contributing to promoting the use of the VNREDSat-1 satellite product; and developing resources, including local resources, on studying and applying remote sensing in preserving and developing tourism, the case study being cultural heritages in Hue city and natural heritages in Son Trach and Tan Trach communes at the area of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province.

Over 2 years of implementation, the project reports research results, including:

Successfully applying interdisciplinary access, based on UNESCO viewpoints, in assessing and proving the two sides of the relationship between the driving force for development brought about by heritages and the demand for heritage preservation in Hue city and Quang Binh province.

Variations of land use coverage are used as important indicators for activities relating to development, when relics of Hue city were recognized as World Cultural Heritage in 1993 by UNESCO and the geological scenery of cave system of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park was recognized as World Natural Heritage in 2003. It can be confirmed that despite weaknesses in length, VNREDSat-1 data is completely used for dealing with information serving the preservation of heritages, even in urban areas.

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The results in geometrical adjustment, atmosphere and physical index from VNREDSat-1 satellite images

Proving that the world heritages in Hue city and Quang Binh province have promoted the development of tourism, services, infrastructure and urbanization. In addition, the project also proved that these activities have lasting impacts on some values of the two heritages, especially scenery factor.

In the area of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, the results of factor analysis allow a conclusion about the livelihood changes in Son Trach area under the influence of tourism after 2003, especially since 2010.

In Hue city, tourism growth helps promote tourism development and urban infrastructure, especially after UNESCO recognized relics as World Cultural Heritage, and make a positive change in livelihood for people living around the heritage. However, the development of infrastructure, restaurants and hotels has also put pressure on some scenery factors of the relics.

After over 2 years of the implementation of the project, the group of authors has developed a working group with the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, the University of Quang Binh, the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and the Mientrung Institute for Scientific Research under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. Preservation knowledge of experts in Hue and the National Park play a very important role in setting up theory framework since early implementation. This allows interdisciplinary access to the subject, making the results more applicable. In fact, cooperation has helped the authors establish a working group at localities under research.

Under the subject, 2 international newspapers and 3 domestic research newspapers have been announced, contributing to training 5 geographical graduates from the University of Natural Sciences, 2 post-graduates and 1 PhD with research themes on urbanization in Hue city.

Translated by Tuyet Nhung
Link to Vietnamese version