Groundbreaking 3D digital model of historic Walled City of Derry launched

PICTURED ABOVE: The Mayor is pictured with, from left, Caroline Wilhelmsson, University of Bradford, Tony Monaghan, Regeneration Manager, DCSDC, Professor Andy Wilson from University of Bradford, Niall McCaughan, Friends of the Derry Walls, Edel Coyle, Ulster University, Jennifer Coyle, Regeneration Project Officer, DCSDC.

Derry City and Strabane District Council today launched an innovative digital heritage project, led by the University of Bradford, that brings the historic Walled City of Derry to life through cutting-edge 3D modelling technology.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, officially unveiled the project at a special launch event at Ulster University, marking a significant milestone in preserving and sharing the city's rich heritage with global audiences.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor McHugh said: “Today marks an exciting new chapter in how we preserve, celebrate and share our remarkable heritage. This groundbreaking 3D digital modelling project represents a fusion of our proud past with innovative technology, allowing people from across the world to experience the beauty and historical significance of our Walled City.”

The project is a collaborative effort led by the University of Bradford in partnership with the University of Limerick, University College Cork, and Derry City and Strabane District Council, funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council. It features state-of-the-art digital twin technology that creates highly detailed virtual representations of the historic Walled City as well as the town of Kilmallock in Limerick.

Professor Andrew Wilson from the University of Bradford said: “This collaboration between the UK and Ireland is about more than technology – it’s about connecting communities and preserving heritage in a way that’s accessible to everyone. By creating detailed digital twins of Derry and Kilmallock, we’re safeguarding centuries of history while opening up new opportunities for education, tourism and regeneration.

“We’ve deployed cutting-edge infrastructure funded through the AHRC Capabilities for Collections scheme – vehicle-mounted laser scanning systems, drones, and mobile mapping, to capture these walled towns in incredible detail. The result is a high-density dataset that can be explored on a mobile phone or integrated into planning and conservation workflows.

“The same data that underpins heritage interpretation can also support local authorities with planning, regeneration and tourism management.

The Mayor is pictured with, from left, Faye Corbett and Caroline Wilhelmsson, University of Bradford, Tony Monaghan, Regeneration Manager, DCSDC, Professor Andy Wilson from University of Bradford, Niall McCaughan, Friends of the Derry Walls, Edel Coyle, Ulster University, Jennifer Coyle, Regeneration Project Officer, DCSDC and Tom Sparrow, University of Bradford. (Photos: Martin McKeown)

"It’s a perfect example of how digital heritage can deliver real-world benefits beyond archaeology. Although the University of Bradford secured funding for this advanced kit, we see it as a national capability. That means we can deploy it across the UK and Ireland to enhance town planning, cultural engagement and wellbeing. It’s about sharing expertise and infrastructure for the greater good.” 

Key features of the project include:

• Immersive virtual tours allowing global access to Derry's heritage
• Detailed 3D digital modelling of the historic walls and key sites
• Educational resources for schools and researchers worldwide
• Preservation of architectural details for future generations

The Mayor continued: “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation in heritage conservation. By creating these digital twins, we're not only preserving our history but making it accessible to everyone, whether they're students in a classroom, researchers across the globe, or curious travellers planning their visit.”

The project has received significant support from heritage organizations including the Friends of the Derry Walls, who have been instrumental in the preservation and promotion of this iconic landmark.

“This is more than just a technological achievement,” added the Mayor. “It's about building bridges between past and present, between our local community and the wider world, and between traditional heritage conservation and digital innovation.”

The Mayor is pictured with Professor Andy Wilson from the University of Bradford, who led the team

The 3D digital model will serve as both an educational tool and a tourism asset, allowing virtual visitors to explore the Walled City's architecture, history, and cultural significance from anywhere in the world.

The project aligns with the Council's broader regeneration strategy and commitment to leveraging technology to enhance cultural tourism and heritage education.

For more information about the project go to www.derrystrabane.com/derrywalls.