Gallipoli to Afghanistan and the future: 100 years of mapping
Here, the Peninsula looks a tougher nut to crack than it did on [Lord Kitchener’s] small and featureless map.
Sir Ian Hamilton, commander Dardanelles campaign, Diary, 18 March 1915
Gallipoli to Afghanistan and the future: 100 years of mapping is a joint exhibition between Australian Geospatial Intelligence Organisation (AGO) and the Australian War Memorial.
The exhibition marks 100 years of Australian military mapping that started with a handful of engineers and surveyors who mapped trench systems, tunnels and other features on Gallipoli using tape and compass. This year marks the centenary of the Australian Survey Corps established in July 1915.
This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view the historic 3D model of the Gallipoli Peninsula that was used by Sir Ian Hamilton and his staff in the planning for the Gallipoli landings. The model’s provenance and function makes it one of the most significant objects in the Memorial’s collection. Created by Australian engineers using concrete and nails, the model, was used by the commanders to visualise and understand the terrain in planning the landing. Though this concrete model may be crude, it does show the steep rigid slopes at Anzac.
From crude models 100 years ago to modern digital capabilities, the exhibition features a 3D digital visualisation model of Derapet narrated by Daniel Keighran on events of the 24 August 2010 when he was awarded the VC. Daniel’s story demonstrates how useful modern 3D models are in discussing planning and explaining action and events.
The exhibition is available to the public during weekdays only
Exhibition dates: 23 April – 31 July 2015
Opening - THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2015, 6.00 – 8.00PM
RUSSELL OFFICES BUILDING 1 (R1) FOYER
Sir Thomas Blamey Square,
Russell, Canberra