Overview
From 25th to 30th May 2025,the STECCI projectcontinues its documentation efforts with a focused acquisition fieldwork across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The team worked in three locations: the necropolises of Kopošići and Križevići, as well as the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, capturing high-resolution digital data of Stećci in both open and curated environments.
With digital acquisition efforts led by Heritage Malta, and comprehensive logistical, historical, and archaeological support provided by the University of Sarajevo team (Project Coordinator Prof. Nusret Drešković, Project Manager Prof. Saida Ibragić, and Prof. Edin Bujak) the mission brought together a multidisciplinary team united by technical expertise and a shared commitment to heritage preservation.
The fieldwork was joined by Prof.Marinos Ioannides, a representative of the STECCI’s Quality Advisory Board for his expert guidance rooted inhis longstanding leadership in the field of digital heritage documentation and preservation. His role was key in providing live feedback on quality control and ensuring alignment with the project’s broader technical and research frameworks. Mr. Perica Mijatović, President of the Foundation Old Bosnian Town Dubrovnik, warmly welcomed the HM team at Kopošići and shared extensive historical insights about the site. The visit included a meeting with Prof. Zlatan Filipović, who presented a virtual reality experience of Kopošići along with other engaging materials to the HM team.
The digital acquisition utilised a strategic methodology which incorporated a combination of LiDAR scanning, aerial and handheld photogrammetry, and 360-degree imaging for virtual tours. Whilst on site the team also tested low-cost workflows which will be further evaluated back in Malta. These trials speak to one of STECCI’s core aims: finding scalable, accessible solutions for heritage digitisation that can be used across varied contexts and budgets.
The Heritage Malta team included Anthony Cassar (Head of Technology and Experience Development), Francesco Vella (Digital Acquisition Lead), Kyle Attard (Photogrammetry Specialist), and Aaron Edward Cole (Drone Pilot). Together, they captured comprehensive datasets across the three locations, ensuring every motif, carving, and spatial detail was recorded with scientific and visual accuracy. The data collected will feed into several of STECCI’s major outputs including the dissemination of digitised assets, immersive 360° tours, and research repositories aimed at preserving and sharing the unique stories of the Stećci across Europe.