Introduction
Maritime Cultural Heritage is an important part of the Chinese Marine Economy which aims to establish China as a major maritime player on the world stage. As well as helping to strengthen the importance of China’s maritime past nationally and internationally, China’s increasing activity is important in terms of developing new technologies, marine legislation and commercial activity.
China continues to expand its provision in Maritime Archaeology, creating the infrastructure and facilities to establish the country as world leader in the subject. An important part of the current Chinese strategy is to raise public awareness of the work of maritime archaeologists in China. The underwater archaeology wing at the Ningbo Port Museum is part of this, as are the developments of underwater sections to many other museums throughout the country.
An essential part of the Chinese national maritime archaeology strategy is to not only work with international colleagues but to develop long term co-operation between the Chinese offshore industry, marine agencies, and the regional marine archaeology centres. It is hoped that the University of Nottingham will help facilitate such relationships at Ningbo in the coming years as it continues to develop the International Academy for Marine Economy and Technology (IAMET) at Ningbo Port.
Case studies
Digital survey techniques for underwater archaeology
The Underwater Archaeology Research Centre at the University of Nottingham specialises in using digital, acoustic and optical scanning methods in the survey, management and presentation of underwater cultural heritage. Techniques developed on previous Nottingham projects have produced accurate 3D models of underwater sites which have a utility not only for heritage professionals but also to the wider non-diving public allowing them to experience submerged sites and more readily appreciate the richness and value of the underwater resource.
HENDERSON, J., PIZARRO, O., JOHNSON-ROBERSON, M. and MAHON, I., 2013. Mapping submerged archaeological sites using stereo-vision photogrammetry International Journal of Nautical Archaeology. 42(2), 243-256
Developing Digital Survey Techniques for Archaeology
Pavlopetri website
China Ports: History, Heritage and Development network
The network brings together historians, archaeologists, Sinologists, art historians, engineers, social scientists and museum curators with shared interests in maritime China.
China Ports website
Partners
International Academy for the Marine Economy and Technology