Drones, other new technology to join front line of Hong Kong heritage conservation efforts
- Secretary for Development says Hong Kong’s Architectural Services Department ‘needs to go with the times’ to improve the effectiveness of conservation work
- The biggest challenge, says surveyor Liny Lau Ling-yee, is to ensure historic buildings resist effects of rain and other natural threats
Hong Kong’s Architectural Services Department has been studying how to apply new technologies to heritage conservation and help protect historical buildings from rain and termites, according to the city’s development chief.
Writing on his official blog, Secretary for Development Michael Wong Wai-lun said the department was tasked with conserving 74 heritage sites owned by the government, along with 135 graded historical buildings and multiple sites with archaeological value, such as lighthouses, tombs, forts and rock carvings.
“The department is responsible for repairing and maintaining many old structures which have significant historical, architectural and cultural value,” he wrote.
“It needs to go with the times, and study the use of new technology, such as using drones to inspect buildings, so as to improve the effectiveness and performance of conservation work.”
