DIGIscan – Digitising tangible and intangible cultural heritage
As part of an Erasmus+ international mobility for education, Heritage Malta launched DIGIscan, a project aimed at advancing digital cultural heritage practices through cross-border collaboration and vocational training and developed in partnership between the Technology and Experience Development Unit and the UNESCO Chair on Digital Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT). This opportunity reflects the EU’s commitment to encouraging innovation, education, and institutional cooperation in the cultural heritage sector, whilst enabling Heritage Malta to continuously enhance 3D digitisation methodologies, strengthening inter-institutional partnerships, and refining documentation standards for long-term digital preservation and accessibility.
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 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 visit to Cyprus, where participants undertook a large-scale 3D scanning project at the Panagia Aimatousa Church, a site of rich historical and architectural value and also attended the prestigious EuroMed 2024 Conference.
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 encouraged 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, this Erasmus+ project 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.
