【SPECIAL INTERVIEW】Dr. Yukinori Kawae × WORLD SCAN PROJECT / Egyptian archeology ＆ WSP technology
The World Scan Project (W.S.P.), which aims to apply detailed data obtained through 3D scanning to archaeological research, and a dialog project with Dr. Yukinori Kawae, an Egyptologist at Nagoya University and an Emerging Explorer of the National Geographic Society. We were honored to have Dr. Kawae as an interviewer and discussed a wide range of topics, from the situation of field surveys to the background of researchers' participation in the World Scan Project (W.S.P.) and future prospects.
*This interview took place in May 2022 at the Sonesta St. George Hotel in Luxor.
Mr. Yasumasa Ichikawa (W.S.P), and Dr. Yukinori Kawae (Nagoya Univ.)
The beginning of the World Scan Project
Kawae：For this survey, we were given special permission to take 3D measurements, which allowed me, who has been doing pyramid research for many years, to access parts of the pyramid that I hadn't been able to access in decades. I'd like to introduce Mr. Ichikawa, the director of this project, to tell you more about the World Scan Project (W.S.P), an incredibly powerful company.
Ichikawa：The World Scan Project (W.S.P.) started with 3D measurements of the Great Pyramid in collaboration with Mr. Kawae, and has since expanded to various locations around the world. We communicate with researchers to perform 3D measurements of sites such as ruins in Peru and cultural sites in Italy. The 3D data obtained is then applied to virtual reality (VR), games, and the metaverse for content creation.
Kawae：The first 3D measurement of the Great Pyramid was done in 2017, right? Based on that initial data, we expanded our measurements, but there were many missing areas in the first set of data.
Ichikawa：Yes, that's right. The data was insufficient, so in 2018 we took another photo, and this time we rephotographed the outside of the pyramid as well as the inside. By repeatedly capturing the missing and detailed areas, I believe we have created the strongest data set possible.
Experts from various fields participated in the 3D measurements
Kawae：To collect the strongest data, we need the strongest team members. What was your original specialty, Mr. Oba?
Oba：My major in university was architecture and I did research on photogrammetry and VR. I just joined W.S.P. last month and was suddenly asked to go to Egypt. This is my first visit to Egypt, and on my first day I was taken directly to the pyramid site. I was in charge of the 3D laser scanning, which was quite demanding, especially in tight spaces like the Relieving Chambers. Fortunately, the shoot went smoothly.
Kawae：It feels like you've suddenly arrived at a world heritage site in Egypt.
Oba：In fact, I've never been to Egypt as a tourist, and suddenly I found myself in places where ordinary people can't go. The pyramids are really massive.
Kawae：It must feel like you don't know which way is up when it's your first time. And here is Mr. Kimura from Kyushu Univ., who is also a lifesaver for me. This time there was a dangerous shoot inside the pyramid, which involved attaching a safety lock to a rock and filming while suspended. W.S.P. brought in a specialist for this task.
Kimura：I'm a graduate student at Kyushu University, specializing in geomorphology. I use photogrammetry in my research on caves and dark places, and through this, I was invited by Mr. Ichikawa to participate.
Ichikawa：Mr. Kimura is the most reliable 3D professional I know. We originally worked together on a project with underwater archaeologist Dr. Kotaro Yamafune, digitizing sunken ships. Mr. Kimura's exceptional skills and reliability made me want to include him in this project where we planned to hang Dr. Kawae.
Kawae：When they handed me a harness and said, "Please put this on," I thought it was a joke. But I trusted them and gave them my lifeline. I wanted to examine the internal structure and masonry of the pyramids, including the well shaft inside the Great Pyramid and a large hole opened by Howard Vyse in the Pyramid of Menkaure. Mentioning that we had brought an expert helped us get permission for the survey. Without Mr. Kimura, the survey would not have been successful, so I am very grateful. Mr. Kimura, what was Egypt like for you?
Kimura：I didn't get sick and have only good memories, so it was a great experience. I was able to take measurements in different places and was amazed at the size of the pyramids. The most challenging part of hanging Mr. Kawae inside the pyramid was the final pull-up. The location was very difficult and the environment was different from caves, making it almost too difficult to continue at one point.
Creating an environment accessible to people around the world
Kawae：If Mr. Kimura had given up on pulling me up, I would have been left hanging in the pyramid. By the way, does the World Scan Project (W.S.P.) scan natural landscapes as well as other world heritage sites?
Ichikawa：Yes, that's right. Recently, Mr. Kimura and I did a 3D scan of a cave, and I thought it would be interesting to create a VR experience that simulates walking through a dark cave with a light. It would be fascinating to make inaccessible caves accessible through VR.
Kawae：What is the goal of the World Scan Project (W.S.P)?
Ichikawa：Our primary goal is to assist researchers by creating digital data of archaeological sites for their studies. But we also want to give people around the world access to places they can't physically enter by using this data in education, VR, and the metaverse.
Kawae：For us researchers, it's critical to share and use the data, but there have been many cases where we have the data but can't publish it. But we are now in the era of open science.
Using 3D Data to Unlock the Secrets of the Pyramids
Ichikawa：We are eager to expand our unique services. It would be wonderful if sharing our data with other researchers could help unlock the mysteries of the pyramids.
Kawae：In fact, that's one of our goals as well, so we'd appreciate your help until the pyramids are deciphered. Our collaborative research with the World Scan Project (W.S.P.) officially began in November 2021, and it has become a significant project involving four years of joint research with Nagoya University.
Ichikawa：The data analysis ahead seems quite challenging, but we hope to share the finished data, which integrates the external drone data with the internal data, with many people.
Kawae：Please look forward to it. Thank you very much.
The full interview can be seen in this video, which features a valuable conversation between Dr. Yukinori Kawae, an Egyptologist from Nagoya University, and our team at the World Scan Project (W.S.P). We thank Dr. Kawae for his cooperation.
The World Scan Project will continue to explore and preserve archaeological sites around the world, guided by our motto: "Making the world, the future, and curiosity closer. If you're interested, please follow the activities of the World Scan Project and support us.
Please also check out this video about the Egyptian survey conducted by the World Scan Project (W.S.P).
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