Digiscan

Heritage Malta is committed to safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage, not only through conservation and exhibition but also by embracing cutting-edge technologies that ensure long-term preservation and accessibility. DIGISCAN is a testament to this mission—an international knowledge-exchange initiative developed in collaboration between the Technology and Experience Development unit and the UNESCO Chair on Digital Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT). Supported by Erasmus+ mobility funding, the project was designed to enhance 3D digitisation methodologies, strengthen institutional partnerships, and refine documentation standards for digital cultural heritage preservation. 

Through cross-border collaboration, job-shadowing, and hands-on technical training, DIGISCAN enabled digitisation specialists from Heritage Malta and CUT to exchange expertise, refine workflows, and advance research in 3D documentation techniques. The project unfolded in multiple phases, beginning with an initial knowledge-exchange programme in Malta, during which the Cypriot team collaborated on the digitisation of the Tas-Silg Archaeological Complex, one of Malta’s most historically significant multi-period sites. This was followed by a reciprocal visit to Cyprus, where participants attended the prestigious EuroMed 2024 Conference and undertook a large-scale 3D scanning project at the Panagia Aimatousa Church, a site of rich historical and architectural value. 

DIGISCAN focused on more than just the capture of high-resolution 3D models; it addressed the entire ecosystem of digital preservation, including metadata and paradata documentation, collection management strategies, and long-term archiving solutions. By comparing methodologies between institutions, the project fostered a critical evaluation of best practices, leading to tangible improvements in workflow efficiency, data accuracy, and interoperability between digital heritage platforms. 

Beyond its technical objectives, DIGISCAN played a crucial role in engaging international cooperation in heritage preservation, reinforcing Heritage Malta’s position as a key player in European cultural heritage digitisation efforts. By integrating the latest technological advancements with traditional conservation expertise, DIGISCAN aligns with Heritage Malta’s broader vision of ensuring that Malta’s cultural heritage remains accessible, accurately documented, and preserved for future generations.