From 2012 to 2016, Pete Kelsey led a volunteer project team to survey, map, and digitally model the USS Arizona and the USS Arizona Memorial to monitor and better understand changes at the historic site. As both an active military gravesite and the most popular tourist destination in Hawaii, all work conducted was closely watched by many parties.
This work resulted in establishing a baseline dataset that all future surveys can be measured against. Upon seeing the data collected, NPS and the U.S. Navy immediately suggested many creative ways to use the data beyond its original purpose. This included development of a virtual reality app in 2017 to provide a new level of context for the 1.7 million annual visitors to the site. Previously, visitors could only look at pictures or gaze down at the wreckage, which is 40 feet underwater. The app supported NPS’ educational mission and lent a new level of understanding to the memorial exhibits.
Pete put together and led a public/private team of approximately 40 volunteer scientists, technologists, and archivists by capitalizing on the team’s passion for solving the toughest technological challenges for social good. Together, the team developed a solution to use 3D imaging underwater by combining three technologies for the first time (LiDAR, SONAR, Photogrammetry). The presentation will speak to the technology used and how it has impacted the 3D modeling and analysis of maritime infrastructure.