KFF Initial Plan

As customary with new technology driven projects, KFF organized the work in phases to allow proof of concept and peer reviews prior to starting with actual implementation. The initial plan anticipates the following phases:

Phase I: Pilot Demonstration

The intent of Phase I is to create a small scale simulation of the intended network of archival servers together with a website allowing access to sample content to allow discussion and proof of concept. This network of servers and its associated website is called CyArk. Phase I includes funding field scanning of several sites, and the collection of scan data from sites previously scanned. Phase I also includes the formation of the Nucleus Group and host server sites for the pilot demonstration. Also included in this phase will be the development of initial standards and procedures, the development of the concept of technology centers and the selection of appropriate software for browsing 3D rich data and for archival purposes. Phase I will also include conducting technical workshops for discussion and critique of the project and a road show to expose the project to prospective major donors and supporters.

Phase II: Launch

Based on the success of Phase I, Phase II will include major fund raising to allow the initial launch of the project including formation of the International Steering Organization (ISO), formation of a staff and organization to manage the operations, development of the second generation software for the website and archives including a sophisticated database system, and expanding the circle of partners and server sites. Phase II will also include the all important task of prioritizing worldwide endangered heritage sites.

Phase III: Operation

Following a successful launch and formation of an initial organization, this phase will focus on consolidation and expansion to achieve worldwide coverage of all endangered heritage sites.

Progress:

KFF launched phase I of the project in January 2003 by committing the necessary seed funding and management resources, and by holding its first workshop to expose the concept and the plan to a select group of experts. Also early in 2003, KFF enlisted the help of several partners who joined the project and significantly contributed to its progress (see partner section under Nucleus Group). At year end the prototype website was finalized and tested, three significant sites, which included selected areas of Pompeii, in Italy, Tambo Colorado in Peru, and Deadwood City, in the US, were scanned and their content prepared and added to the website, and browser plug in software was selected for 2D and 3D viewing of contnet.