Drones are now being used to help repair the Great Wall

Intel launches drones to provide up-to-date images on Great Wall damage

Considering the fact that it dates back to the Ming dynasty, it’s no surprise (or new knowledge) that the Great Wall of China has some areas in need of a facelift (if not total reconstruction). Vegetation, erosion and natural decay all contribute to the destruction of the Wall, and while easily accessible sections, like Badaling, have undergone some rather extreme forms of repair, other sections have become so eroded, pilfered or overtaken by plant life that they are now barely recognisable as part of the Wall.

Jiankou Great Wall.

The Jiankou section of the wall is one such example. This section dates back roughly to the Ming dynasty and is assumed to be at least 450 (and potentially up to 700) years old. It’s also one of the steepest parts of the wall, making it extremely hard to access, hampering repair efforts. But tech giant Intel now has an innovative solution to aid in restoration and repair: drones.

Image: courtesy of Intel

In collaboration with the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation (CFCHC) and experts from Wuhan University, the Silicon Valley company is using drones to carry out aerial inspections of Jiankou, capturing thousands of high-resolution images of areas deemed too dangerous for surveyors to access. These images are then used to create a true-to-life 3D digital replica, which preservationists can use to map out damage on the wall.

Image: courtesy of Intel

Currently, surveyors looking to map areas in need of repair need to climb up there armed only with tape measures (yes, it's honestly that low tech) and painstakingly measure the wall. However, what currently takes more than a month to achieve, will soon be able to be completed in just three days through the use of drones. Using the images captured, workers not only can map the entire area, but also calculate the time, labour and cost of materials for repair.

So thank goodness for drones, now not only bringing us our waimai, but also saving people from literally having to measure the Great Wall with a tape measure.

https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=w1345f9taww&width=500&height=375&auto=0

Video courtesy of Amy Hawkins.

For our ultimate guide to the Great Wall, hit 'Read more'. 

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