In the heart of Singapore, a unique piece of maritime heritage is being preserved for future generations, thanks to the innovative work of G. K. S. Sim from the Heritage Policy and Research Division of the National Heritage Board. Sim and his team have embarked on a mission to digitally document Kelong E63, one of the last remaining kelongs, or offshore fishing platforms, in Singapore. Their work, published in ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’ (translated to English as ‘International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’), offers a glimpse into how technology can breathe new life into our maritime history.
Kelongs, traditional fishing structures that have been part of Singapore’s coastal landscape for centuries, are not just static buildings; they are dynamic, living entities that evolve with the tides and the sea. This dynamism posed a significant challenge for Sim and his team. “The kelong is not a static structure,” Sim explains. “It moves with the tides, it shifts with the sea, and it’s not always stable. This made our documentation process quite complex.”
To capture the essence of Kelong E63, the team employed a hybrid methodology that combined LiDAR, photogrammetry, sonar, 360° video, and other spatial media. This approach allowed them to create a comprehensive digital model of the kelong, capturing not just its physical form but also the intangible rhythms of life that unfold on its decks. “We wanted to capture the lived experience and ‘aura’ of the kelong,” Sim says. “This is not just about preserving a structure; it’s about preserving a way of life.”
The project’s innovative use of technology and its focus on preserving intangible cultural heritage offer valuable insights for the maritime sector. For instance, the digital documentation process could be adapted to monitor and preserve other offshore structures, such as oil rigs or wind farms, which face similar challenges of structural instability and dynamic environments. Moreover, the project’s transmedia perspective, which integrates spatial datasets with oral histories, archives, and media, could inspire new ways of engaging with maritime heritage, opening up opportunities for tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
The commercial implications are also significant. The digital documentation process could be used to create virtual reality experiences, offering a unique and immersive way for visitors to explore maritime heritage sites. This could attract tourists, generate revenue, and create jobs in the tourism and tech sectors. Furthermore, the project’s focus on preserving intangible cultural heritage could inspire new products and services, such as maritime-themed merchandise, educational materials, or even a kelong-themed restaurant.
In the end, Sim’s work is a testament to the power of technology in preserving our maritime heritage. By capturing the essence of Kelong E63, he and his team have not just documented a structure; they have preserved a piece of Singapore’s cultural identity. And in doing so, they have opened up new possibilities for the maritime sector, offering a glimpse into a future where technology and heritage coexist and thrive.