Within the Jena Time Machine, a new photo competition for the citizens of Schleiz (a historic town in the scenic region of Thuringian Vogtland near Jena) is being kicked off to gather data that will help turn the city into a 4D model allowing citizens and visitors to experience Schleiz virtually between 1900 and 2000.
The Greatest Schleiz of All Time
In order to bring Schleiz’ model from 1900 to 2000 to life, the Chair of Digital Humanities has set the goal of collecting 1,000 historical photos of the city from this period. However, the researchers need the help of all the citizens of Schleiz and are launching a competition to achieve this. Interested citizens can upload their historical photos under the title “The Greatest Schleiz of All Time,” and thereby immortalize themselves in the virtual cityscape.
Competition in Two Parts
The competition consists of two parts. First is the photo competition: upload historical photos to become a part of the virtual cityscape. Simply take a photo and upload it – the deep learning AI will handle the rest, placing the image in the correct location within the 4D model.
Second is the rephotography competition, which involves taking new photos that replicate historical ones in the modern-day cityscape. The 4dCity app will assist you in this process.
Participants who contribute the most or submit particularly rare or interesting photos will have the chance to win prizes. If using the web app is difficult, you can reach out to the dedicated Help Desk at the Schleiz City Archive for assistance.
A distinguished jury of researchers and public figures, led by Christian Herrgott, the District Administrator of the Saale-Orla district, will oversee the prize selection.
Key Information
What is it?
The University of Jena invites entries for the photo competition The Greatest Schleiz of All Time. Participants can upload historical photos to the website, where the images will automatically be placed on a 4D model of the city.
Why participate?
In both parts of the competition, three prizes will be awarded in two categories, with winners receiving Wisent trophies.
How does it work?
Access the 4DCity portal through the competition’s website and join the competition. You can upload historical photos or rephotograph existing historical images in the current cityscape. Text can also be added to submissions, and the deep-learning AI will take care of the rest.
Who can join?
The competition, organized by the Junior Professorship for Digital Humanities, is open to anyone interested, but participants must be 18 or older. Those under 18 need consent from a parent or legal guardian.
When is it happening?
Submissions via the web app are accepted from 25 August 2024, to 12 October 2024.
Where is it happening?
The competition’s website provides information and directs you to the Jena4D portal.
Additional information can be found on:
- Instagram: @professur_digital_humanities,
- Twitter: @Digitaljena,
- LinkedIn: Digital Humanities Junior Professorship, University of Jena.
For more details on the competition, contact information and prizes, please visit the website and/or consult the corresponding press release by the Chair of Digital Humanities at the University of Jena.