CyArk
This project was made possible with support from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, INAH and Misiones Coloniales de Chihuahua
Map of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro or Royal Road of the Interior (2024) by INAHCyArk
The Royal Road of the Interior
Also known as the Silver Route, this important trail spans 2,500 kilometers from Mexico City to San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico. Operating from 1598 to 1882, it was pivotal for trade and is now safeguarded as a UNESCO World Heritage property with over 60 historic sites.
Connecting Crossroads Program
In 2023, with support from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, two sites along the route were selected for online experiences celebrating the vital connection between Mexico and the United States.
The first site chosen was the Church of San Bartolomé in Valle de Allende.
The second site was the Old Hacienda of Peñuelas located just outside the city of Aguascalientes.
CyArk storytelling process (2024) by CyArkCyArk
Producing the Online Experiences
CyArk partnered with the National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH) in the states of Chihuahua and Aguascalientes to develop the experiences through our storytelling process
Connecting Crossroads Training (2024) by CyArkCyArk
Online Training
After the kickoff & brainstorming, CyArk sent photography equipment & conducted a two-week online training in 3D documentation and storytelling for local staff and heritage experts in each region. By the end of the training, partners had a storyboard & were ready for fieldwork.
Creating 3D model (2024) by CyArkCyArk
3D Documentation of Selected Sites
Following the workshop, INAH staff members documented each site using photogrammetry, taking thousands of overlapping photographs from digital cameras and drones. These images were processed into high resolution 3D models.
Church of San Bartolome 3D Model (2024) by CyArk, INAH Chihuahua, and Misiones Coloniales de ChihuahuaCyArk
Explore in 3D
The Church of San Bartolomé in Valle de Allende
Interviewing Karla Isabel Morales Porras (2024) by INAH ChihuahuaCyArk
Interviewing the Community and Developing a Script
INAH staff members then interviewed community members and experts, developed scripts and collected historical imagery that was used in the development of the online experiences.
Producing the Online Experiences
The experiences are published in English and Spanish and allow anyone from around the world to visit virtually and learn about the role of the Camino Real in the history of both the United States and Mexico.
Camino Real Launch Event (2024) by U.S. Embassy MexicoCyArk
Launching the Tours
The virtual experiences were launched at an in-person event in the city of Chihuahua on World Heritage Day. INAH staff, U.S. Embassy Mexico personnel, and journalists joined the event.
Explore the tours on the U.S. Embassy Mexico website
Watch the recording
