Project Introduction: This professional development workshop uses Terrestrial LiDAR and GIS analysis to visualize and digitally preserve Egmont Key's endangered heritage. Participants will learn valuable technological skills while adding to the research on Seminole history during the removal period, and engaging in dialogues with members of the Seminole Tribe about the events that took place on Egmont Key during the 1850s. This will give voice to the painful Seminole history, while creating a permanent, digital record of a site that is threatened by coastal erosion driven by sea level rise.

Project Background: Few people realize that Egmont Key, now a wildlife refuge of the coast of St. Petersburg, FL, was once an island internment camp where Seminole Indians were imprisoned during the Indian Removal Period, from 1856-1858.

To raise awareness and understanding of this important phase of Egmont Key’s history, the USF College of Arts and Sciences’ Access 3D Lab is embarking on a digitally-driven heritage research project. Access 3D Lab is a shared user facility, directed by Dr. Laura Harrison, which incubates and supports transformative research and teaching in STEM disciplines, the arts and the humanities.

Access 3D Lab is using terrestrial laser scanners to document the island as it is today in 3D. This dataset will become the backdrop for an interactive virtual tour that allows local and global audiences to better understand the relationship of past events at the site to contemporary Seminole identity.

The interactive virtual tour highlights the story of key figures such as Polly Parker, who was imprisoned on Egmont Key and later escaped during transit to Oklahoma and made her way back home.

Methods: Participants receive in-depth training from USF faculty who are experts in the fields of geospatial analysis, terrestrial LiDAR and data processing. At Egmont Key (May 6-17) participants will be trained how to use state of the art FARO Focus x330 and s150 scanners to create a high resolution 3D point cloud dataset.

From May 20-24, participants work at USF’s Access 3D Lab to process data for multiple geospatial applications. This encompasses working with drone- derived GIS data for mapping applications, creating DSM models using NOAA data from aerial LiDAR flights over Egmont Key, and processing Terrestrial LiDAR data from the FARO scanners to create a photorealistic 3D point cloud model.

Workshop Structure and College Credit: This professional development workshop offers hands-on technical training in geospatial and 3D documentation methods for USF students and the public. USF graduate students from any department also have the option of registering for the USF Maymester course IDS 6938: Applied Heritage and Sustainability Research, which incorporates written research assignments that expand upon the workshop training. All participants are eligible to earn a Career Readiness Gold Badge - Access 3D Lab’s highest certification of applied technology skills - a resume builder that is attractive to future employers.

Fees: This professional development workshop carries an $800 fee, to be paid to USF's Access 3D Lab. The fee includes boat transportation to and from Egmont Key for two weeks, expert instruction, equipment, and a Gold Badge upon completion of the work. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Egmont Key marina, within Fort DeSoto. Scholarships may be available.

How to Apply: To apply, please send a 250 word letter of interest to access3d@usf.edu by March 31, 2019. Questions may be directed to Dr. Laura Harrison at harrisonl@usf.edu.