1850 Athens Properties in 3D In-Person

Join the Athens-Clarke County Library Heritage Room, T.R.R. Cobb House, and the Disruptive Geospatial Technologies Laboratory at UGA for this presentation by Dr. Sergio Bernardes, PhD, Director of the Disruptive Geospatial Technologies Laboratory/Associate Director Center for Geospatial Research, University of Georgia. 

Dr. Bernardes' presentation about the Cobb's World initiative will explain how they were able to create a 3D digital replica of various historic properties of Athens, Georgia. Attendees will be provided the opportunity to experience 1850 Athens properties using virtual reality headsets after the presentation.

An array of cutting-edge technologies has emerged to support the preservation of our historical heritage while offering unique learning experiences centered around historical objects and locations. This presentation unveils the Cobb's World initiative, a collaborative effort between the T.R.R. Cobb House and the Disruptive Geospatial Technologies Laboratory at UGA. This innovative project combines historical narratives, drone technologies, and advanced 3D reconstruction methods to create digital replicas of historical structures in Athens, Georgia. We demonstrate how photorealistic 3D renderings and digital visualization techniques enable us to journey back in time, spanning over a century and a half. Technologies incorporated into the project allow us to reposition buildings at their original sites, revert contemporary alterations, and recreate a vivid historical landscape. Visualization strategies amalgamate data from diverse sources, constructing an immersive exploration platform that seamlessly weaves together historical accounts, natural landscapes, and architectural elements using computer-based systems and immersive devices.

Dr. Sergio Bernardes is a geospatial scientist with 35+ years of experience designing and implementing projects that use digital methods to help represent and explain the world around us. His extensive career spans across academia, industry, and government, with a focus on capturing and explaining location and time-related phenomena. At UGA, he directs the Disruptive Geospatial Technologies Laboratory (digtl.uga.edu). Since 2016, this initiative has introduced cutting-edge technologies such as drone-based remote sensing, digital 3D reconstruction, augmented/virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to more than 8000 community members through demonstrations, events, and educational courses. Dr. Bernardes' interdisciplinary endeavors create valuable opportunities for mentorship, immersive learning experiences, and support for students from diverse academic backgrounds.