National Park Service and Autodesk Carry Out First Comprehensive Digital Survey to Preserve the USS Arizona and Memorial

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HONOLULU–(BUSINESS WIRE)–To honor U.S. military veterans, the National Park Service (NPS) and Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) recently held a press conference to reveal the initial findings of a groundbreaking 30-year survey of the USS Arizona and its memorial, along with newly created 3D models that offer an unprecedented look into the historic site.

This project aligns perfectly with Autodesk’s mission to empower people to imagine, design, and create a better future. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the survey aims to support both historical preservation and public education. Once completed later this year, the survey will provide a more detailed and immersive understanding of the site, while also aiding in its long-term conservation efforts.

At the event, which coincided with Memorial Day, a 3D-printed model of the USS Arizona was displayed for the first time, revealing intricate details never seen before on paper. Additionally, highly detailed 3D models of a cooking pot and a Coke bottle—both of which have remained in the ship’s galley for over 70 years—were showcased. These models included fine textures like color and barnacles on the pot. Autodesk and NPS are working toward completing a full 3D model of the entire ship by the end of the year.

“This kind of technology truly brings the legacy of the USS Arizona to life in ways we couldn’t have imagined before,” said National Park Service Superintendent Paul DePrey. “As the steward of one of America’s most revered historical sites, our goal is to share the story of December 7th with current and future generations. The 3D models allow people to see and interact with these replicas, making our educational programs even more impactful.”

Among those present at the press conference was Don Stratton, a 92-year-old survivor of the attack on the USS Arizona and one of only nine remaining survivors. At just 19 years old during the attack, he and six others managed to cross a burning deck using a line to reach safety aboard the USS Vestal. Stratton suffered severe burns covering 70% of his body.

When shown the 3D model of the cooking pot for the first time, Stratton expressed deep emotion, saying, “That’s amazing. I don’t know anyone from the galley who survived that day. It was all about self-preservation then, but it was hard to go back after. Now, when I remember, it’s a bit easier. I think this will really touch a lot of people.”

Stratton’s son, Randy, added, “These artifacts can’t be replaced. They represent the beginning and the end of the war, and they remind us that there's still life on the Arizona.”

Don Stratton concluded, “I hope people remember all the shipmates still aboard the Arizona, and everyone who gave their lives for this country.”

Approximately 900 of the 1,777 service members who died on the Arizona are still inside the ship, so any work must be done with extreme care and respect. To ensure minimal disturbance, the NPS is leading the effort to create a highly accurate 3D digital representation of the site using technologies like underwater photogrammetry, subsea LiDAR, high-resolution SONAR, and above-water laser scanning.

“The USS Arizona Memorial is such an important yet fragile part of history,” said Brian Mathews, vice president at Autodesk. “Reality Computing bridges the physical and digital worlds, and we see great potential in helping the NPS and preservationists around the world use this technology to preserve and share our past for future generations.”

The project involved several key partners, including HDR, Sam Hirota, Inc., Oceanic Imaging Consultants, Inc., 3DatDepth, Shark Marine Technologies, Inc., the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Navy Mobile Diving Salvage Unit One.

About World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument

Part of the National Park Service, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument preserves and interprets the stories of the Pacific War, including the events at Pearl Harbor, the internment of Japanese Americans, the battles in the Aleutians, and the occupation of Japan. This year, over 1.7 million visitors are expected at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, making it one of Hawaii’s top attractions. Learn more at www.nps.gov/valr.

About Autodesk

Autodesk empowers people to imagine, design, and create a better world. From professionals to students and hobbyists, individuals across industries use Autodesk software to unlock creativity and solve complex challenges. For more information, visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.

Autodesk and the Autodesk logo are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to change product and service offerings, specifications, and pricing at any time without notice and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2014 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contact:

Autodesk, Inc.
Angela Simoes, 415-547-2388
angela.simoes@autodesk.com
or
National Park Service
Laurie LaGrange, 808-375-9335
laurie_lagranged@nps.gov

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