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In this episode of AECO Tech Talk, Dr. Katherine G. Cooper of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) shares how her background in archaeological chemistry led her to a unique role applying scientific and digital technologies to historic preservation. She explains how tools such as XRD, PXRF, and FTIR help analyze materials, diagnose failure mechanisms, and guide long-term conservation decisions. Dr. Cooper also highlights the use of reality capture—Matterport, terrestrial laser scanning, and photogrammetry—to document at-risk structures, support emergency response, and preserve cultural heritage and community stories. She emphasizes the importance of fit-for-purpose technology, the value of community involvement, and the rapidly growing potential of AI, AR/XR, and sensor integration in digital preservation. Her insights offer AECO professionals a compelling view of how advanced technology intersects with preservation, resilience, and storytelling.
Key Takeaways
- Reality capture is a powerful preservation tool when you use the right tool for the context, from high-density laser scans to rapid-response documentation.
- Advanced scientific instruments (XRD, PXRF, FTIR) provide forensic-level insight into building materials and failure mechanisms.
- Digital twins for historic sites are emerging, combining scan data, environmental sensors, and oral histories into integrated, lasting records.
“It’s very important to keep the communities involved when we’re working with historic preservation because it’s not necessarily our story to tell. We create the platform and provide the technology, but it is very much a partnership.”
- Dr. Catherine G. Cooper
Links
Vanishing Spaces Project with Invisible Histories (Scorpio Lounge): https://discover.matterport.com/account/kwfaGM4sq25Slave and Tennant Project Youtube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H23aTV_jLwQ&list=PL2m2mHd_iGy0rW7AiTvElIrHf514q2vc1Overall playlists: https://www.youtube.com/@ncptt/playlistsMatterport for interpretation: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/psv39n1_3d-tech-puts-focus-on-children-s-world-in-early-mills.htmBB babies: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVnX1QiLBIk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Schlimmbesserung (an improvement that makes things worse): https://germanyinusa.com/2017/12/22/word-of-the-week-schlimmbesserung/
Keywords
historic preservation technology, reality capture and laser scanning, material forensics XRD PXRF FTIR, digital twins for existing buildings, cultural heritage documentation, community-centered preservation
