23rd CIPA Symposium, Prague, Czech Republic

The beautifully sunny September weather in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, formed the perfect backdrop to the 23^rd CIPA Symposium (held from 11^th to 16^th September 2011). The International Scientific Committee for Documentation of Cultural Heritage (CIPA) is one of the international committees of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) and it was established in collaboration with ISPRS. The symposium was organised by CIPA in collaboration with the Czech Technical University in Prague, the oldest technical university in Central Europe (founded 1707), and the Czech Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS member). The main topics of this event concerned the documentation, visualisation and presentation of, as well as education about, historical monuments and sites. Twelve technical sections were established in total.

The symposium was attended by 228 experts and students from 30 countries around the world, and no less than 155 papers were submitted for verbal presentations and digital postings. It was possible to select from two types of contributions: peer-reviewed papers (intended for publication in scientific journal) and non-reviewed papers and posters. A total of 111 papers were submitted for peer review, of which 51 papers were successfully reviewed (equivalent to 45% of all papers). Throughout the course of the symposium, 115 verbal presentations and 40 digital postings (one poster session during the last day of the symposium) were presented in total. Alongside the symposium, a technical exhibition was held in the faculty foyer, although it is fair to say that, with only nine technical stands, the level of interest fell somewhat below expectations. On display were special laser scanning instruments and technology, with ‘pure' photogrammetry seeming a thing of the past. All the major laser-scanning field representatives attended. Nowadays, laser scanning seems to dominate terrestrial, aerial and mobile variations. In photogrammetry, true orthophotos are often produced of historical objects, whereas digital photos are used mainly for 3D models.

Although the CIPA objectives in terms of documenting cultural heritage are considered to be a worthwhile cultural activity, it is nevertheless extremely difficult to obtain financial support. Very little effort goes into preserving the documentation of often-devastated cultural heritage as well as funding for such activities (so far, only Prague City Hall supports our venture). For this reason, we would like to thank all the enthusiasts who are doing exceptional work in this field.

The symposium's main programme came to a close on Thursday with the symposium's social evening, which featured a reception at Prague City Hall in Prague's old town. We would like to thank staff at Prague City Hall for their support in helping to organise the social event and reception, held in Art Deco style including live music from a jazz band, in such beautiful historic surroundings.

You can find more information about the symposium by visiting website 2.

Karel Pavelka

CIPA national delegate,

Czech Republic

Director of 23^rd CIPA Symposium, Prague