In the heart of Beijing, an ancient stone arch bridge named Wanning Bridge stands as a testament to China’s rich cultural heritage. However, like many historical structures, it faces the relentless march of time, with natural disasters and human activities gradually eroding its historical features. Enter H. Chen, a researcher from the School of Geomatics and Urban Spatial Informatics at Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, who has developed a groundbreaking method to virtually restore such ancient bridges to their former glory.
Chen’s research, published in the International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences—known in English as the International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences—focuses on creating a knowledge representation method that integrates various disciplines to reconstruct the original appearance of ancient Chinese stone arch bridges. This method, based on the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CRM), combines top-down and bottom-up construction strategies to build an ontology model from the perspectives of both entity and process.
The result is a knowledge graph based on the Neo4j graph database, which achieves semantic integration and visual association of interdisciplinary knowledge. “This method can systematically organize complex knowledge such as structural characteristics, historical changes, and restoration activities,” Chen explains. “It effectively improves knowledge retrieval efficiency and provides semantic support for restoration decisions.”
The implications of this research extend beyond cultural preservation. In the energy sector, where historical infrastructure often intersects with modern developments, such a method could prove invaluable. For instance, understanding the structural integrity and historical context of ancient bridges can inform decisions about energy infrastructure projects, ensuring that they are both technologically sound and culturally sensitive.
Moreover, the ability to virtually restore and study ancient structures can provide insights into historical construction techniques and materials, which could inspire innovative solutions in modern engineering. As Chen notes, “This study not only provides technical support for the digital protection of ancient bridges but also contributes new ideas to the knowledge modeling method of cultural heritage.”
The potential for commercial impact is significant. Companies involved in energy infrastructure projects can leverage this method to conduct thorough assessments of historical sites, ensuring compliance with cultural preservation regulations while minimizing project delays. Additionally, the knowledge graph approach can be adapted to other sectors, such as urban planning and tourism, where understanding the historical context is crucial.
Chen’s research represents a significant step forward in the field of cultural heritage preservation. By integrating interdisciplinary knowledge and leveraging advanced technologies, it offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges of virtual restoration. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the ability to balance technological advancements with cultural sensitivity will be increasingly important. Chen’s method provides a valuable tool for achieving this balance, paving the way for a future where historical preservation and modern development coexist harmoniously.