China has developed a comprehensive data system cataloging over 43,000 Great Wall sites, enabling dynamic monitoring of its preservation and tracking management efforts to better protect the ancient structure in the modern era, according to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.
Stretching over 20,000 kilometers, the Great Wall, China's largest existing cultural heritage site, spans 404 counties across 15 provincial-level regions.
"For the first time, we have gained a clear understanding of the full extent of the Great Wall. Through the integration of traditional archaeology and modern surveying techniques, we have completely clarified the total length of the Great Wall across different historical periods, measuring 21,196.18 kilometers. We now also have detailed knowledge of its sites' location and preservation status, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of the Great Wall," said Liu Wenyan, deputy head of the National Cultural Parks Conservation Institute of the China Academy of Cultural Heritage.
To accurately measure the Great Wall, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage worked alongside the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping, and Geoinformation to categorize and annotate entire structure into segments.
"Archaeologists and surveyors teamed up and visited the Great Wall to mark the location of its different sections with GPS coordinates, which were then plotted on topographic maps. By using three-dimensional measurements instead of flat, two-dimensional ones, we achieved a much higher level of accuracy," explained Liu.
Researchers also implemented a strict, scientific evaluation system to categorize and annotate over 43,000 sites of the Great Wall.
"We followed specific segmentation principles. For example, when the material changes, a new section is marked. If there's a breach in the Wall, that part is also segmented. Different historical periods are naturally reflected in the segmentation as well. This method allows us to divide the Wall into distinct sections," said Liu.
The Great Wall encompasses a wide variety of structures, including watchtowers, turrets, beacon towers and fortresses. During the classification process, researchers systematically numbered these structures based on their materials and functions.
With a history of over 2,000 years, the origins of the Great Wall trace back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 B.C.). Numerous dynasties expanded and restored it over time. Now, it stands as one of the most magnificent architectural achievements and an unparalleled cultural and historical landmark in human history.
China establishes advanced data system for Great Wall preservation
