[CC] SCIENCE: EGYPTOLOGY: Theban Mapping Project

[George(s) Lessard]

Theban Mapping Project
http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/

Discover each tomb in the Valley in this interactive version of our 
Atlas. Investigate a database of information about each tomb, 
view a compilation of nearly 2,000 images, interact with models of 
each tomb, and measure, pan, and zoom over 250 detailed maps, 
elevations, and sections. Experience sixty-five narrated tours by 
Dr. Weeks and explore a 3D recreation of tomb KV 14.

Since its inception in 1978, the Theban Mapping Project (TMP, 
now based at the American University in Cairo) has been working 
to prepare a comprehensive archaeological database of Thebes. 
With its thousands of tombs and temples, Thebes is one of the 
world's most important archaeological zones. Sadly, however, it 
has not fared well over the years. Treasure-hunters and curio-
seekers plundered it in the past; pollution, rising ground water, 
and mass-tourism threaten it in the present. Even early 
archaeologists destroyed valuable information in their search for 
museum-quality pieces.

Today, however, we realize that the monuments of Thebes are a 
finite resource. If we fail to protect and monitor them, they will 
vanish, and we and our descendants will all be the poorer. The 
TMP believes that the first and most essential step in preserving 
this heritage is a detailed map and database of every 
archaeological, geological, and ethnographic feature in Thebes. 
Only when these are available can sensible plans be made for 
tourism, conservation, and further study.

During the last decade, the TMP has concentrated on the Valley of 
the Kings. Modern surveying techniques were used to measure 
the tombs there. From the data collected, the TMP is preparing 3-
D computer models of the tombs. And of course, the TMP is 
continuing its excavation of KV 5. For the TMP staff, sharing their 
work with the interested public is just as important as what they 
do in the field. This has been done through a series of publications 
and this growing website.

Via / From / Thanks to:
RRE (Red Rock Eater) home page: 
http://dlis.gseis.ucla.edu/people/pagre/rre.html