How The Waitangi Treaty Grounds Were Digitally Preserved

Sharing New Zealand's national meeting house with the world

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Waitangi is a national wharenui, or meeting house, which means that it belongs to everybody. Everyone is allowed to use it and say “my meeting house is in Waitangi.” In 1840, this is where the founding document of New Zealand was signed. 

CyArk scanning the ceremonial war canone, Ngatokimatawhaorua by CyArkCyArk

CyArk documented the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in December 2017 using a combination of terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry and LiDAR laser scanning.

Waitangi_photogrammetryCyArk

Thousands of overlapping images were taken inside the meeting house and then stitched together in a process known as photogrammetry. This produced 3D data that allows people from around the world to learn about the symbolism and history of the people of New Zealand.

Inside the meeting house in Waitangi by CyArkCyArk

The figure represented here is known as Rahiri, one of the most notable ancestors from the region.

Cultural performer inside the meeting house at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds by CyArkCyArk

The meeting house hosts a variety of cultural performances. Explore the 3D model of the nearby war canoe to learn more. 

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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