Google Arts & Culture has created a new online collection of immersive 3D digital imagery that shines a light on the effects of climate change on five heritage landmarks around the world.

The Heritage on the Edge project saw Google work with the International Council on Monuments and Sites and 3D scanning company CyArk, which collected data on sites in Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Tanzania (Kilwa Kisiwani), Scotland (Old and New Towns of Edinburgh), Bangladesh (Mosque City of Bagerhat), and Peru (Ancient City of Chan Chan).

Data was captured by CyArk through photogrammetry, 3D scanning, drone video capture and interviews with local experts.

More than 50 online exhibitions, two augmented reality "pocket galleries" and 25 detailed 3D models have been produced through the project, freely available to all on the Google Cloud Platform. Heritage on the Edge combines 3D models, immersive Street View tours, AR and hours of video content into a "compelling and moving story of climate change".

The project partners also conducted local training programmes to assess site vulnerabilities and support heritage managers with on-site conservation.