Progress Update 2

We have had an incredible few weeks since the inception of this project and the launch of this site. As I sit on my hotel bed in Lone Pine, CA 25 min away from the site of the tree, I am so grateful for everyone who has chosen to follow along on this journey. We have so much to share in the coming weeks, but here are just a few small updates on what we've been up to:

3D Reconstruction

We have completed the first draft of the 3D model after 96 hours of reconstruction time in Agisoft Metashape. The process was completed after individually processing each of the 4000+ photos taken on site January 25th. While the model is a great start, there is quite a bit of cleanup that must be done as some of the objects have inherited oddly-shaped meshes from the reconstruction process.

Our team has also been building individual models for each of the memorabilia left at the tree, modelling each item by hand using the photos as a reference. Once these are done, each model will be published for viewing in the gallery section of this website along with the story of their placement. Individually building each item in its own model will also give viewers of the model in VR the ability to interact with each individual item.

Speaking of which, the first draft build of the VR experience has also been completed. It currently allows the viewer to walk around the tree and take a closer look. We have also enabled the ability to pick up the red guitar and interact with it. The current build has been experienced on the Oculus Quest VR headset.

Community Engagement

TheJoshuaTree.Earth website launched on Feb 6th and has been received positively by the U2 community. In becoming part of the U2 family, we were connected with two people with a special connection to the location of the tree.  

George G, the good Sumerian who repaired the tree after it was vandalized, was the first person we connected with after discovering his video on YouTube highlighting the his overnight repair job. George has been visiting the tree for almost 10 years every 6 weeks or so and has become the unofficial caretaker of the site. George has been gracious to tell his story about why the tree means so much to him and why it has become a regular part of his life.

Ernie Navarre is responsible for the most well known item left at the tree: the green plaque. Until 2016, the creator of the plaque was unknown as Ernie decided to remain silent about his contribution. After speaking publicly for the first time about the plaque at an event with California U2 Tribute act, “The Title Trackers”, Ernie has remained relatively quiet about his contribution to the tree.

We were fortunate to spend a few days on site at the tree with both George and Ernie as they shared their stories with us and how the tree and U2 has impacted their lives. Footage from these conversations will be edited and released in the future.

Restoration

Finally, to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the release of The Joshua Tree, we invite you to view our restoration of the tree to its original living state in Augmented Reality.