MSPPM Alumna Salman-Martinez Launches Web Site in Qatar

Carla Salman-Martinez (MSPPM 2005) developed, managed and launched the first website dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Middle Eastern State of Qatar. Salman-Martinez executed the project while working as a research associate at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, the first international, undergraduate campus opened by Carnegie Mellon.

"Qatar is eager to increase the use of web technologies to deliver information and services to a wide variety of audiences. This website invites longtime residents, newcomers and visitors to learn about the rich history and culture of Qatar," says Salman-Martinez.

While there are several websites hosted by the Qatar government and Qatari officials, http://www.heritageofqatar.org is the only site focused solely on Qatar and its cultural heritage. This easy-to-navigate website features 21 cultural sites including archaeological areas, mosques, forts, traditional houses and souqs. The site gives the history, driving directions and operating hours of each location, as well as GPS coordinates.

Additionally, the site features an interactive model of a traditional Qatari mosque and a richly detailed history of the small, desert peninsula that is nested between the Arabian Sea and Saudi Arabia. Since Qatar is home to ten of thousands of expatriates from all over the world, this website will serve as a much-needed informational resource.

Salman-Martinez designed the site with the user in mind; answering questions potential visitors might have such as exactly where the heritage sites are located, how to prepare for a visit and what types of facilities are nearby. For example, sites that are in the desert and can only be reached in a four-wheel-drive vehicle are clearly labeled. Visitors can also print out a full description of the architectural features of the site to take along on a visit.

"Among the most useful pieces of information found on this site are the interactive and static maps. Given my studies on geographic information systems while I was a Heinz School student, I decided to tap into the impressive wealth of geographic data possessed by the Qatar government. These maps will encourage people to explore the heritage sites in Qatar," says Salman-Martinez.

This groundbreaking venture is an example of Carnegie Mellon's longstanding tradition of multidisciplinary collaboration. Salman-Martinez managed a team that included computer science students from Carnegie Mellon Qatar, graphic designers from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and Qatari officials.

The website was officially launched November 30, 2006 at a press conference attended by media, local officials, students, faculty, staff and Charles E. Thorpe, dean of Carnegie Mellon Qatar.

Experience the Web site at http://www.heritageofqatar.org