Digital Surveying for Revitalization of Finiq Municipality in Albania: Utilizing 3D Technologies for Heritage Preservation and Development
Authors: Giau Gabriele 
Published: October 2024

The Finiq Municipality in Albania is a rural region that is faced with a number of pressing challenges, including a declining population, isolation, and a lack of identity. These is- sues are prevalent in many rural areas of Albania and other countries and can have a substantial impact on the preservation of heritage structures and the overall development of the municipality. However, the territory possesses several potential advantages, such as its proximity to Saranda and the Albanian Riviera, the archaeological site of old Phoeniciae, and the 13th-century Orthodox monastery dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, as well as the qual- ity agribusiness production. Proper implementation of policies at the national, regional, and local levels could lead to a tourism-based revitalization of the area. In this framework, data plays a crucial role in project development as it forms the basis for informed decision-making and efficient planning. One of the key benefits of data is its ability to reveal patterns and trends, which can be leveraged for decision-making and improvement opportunities. In addition to demographic and sociological data, information describing the territory and human artifacts in their physical form is also essential. GIS tools are already in use and provide useful cartographic data, which effectively represents the complexity of the territory and the relationships between its various components. This data forms the founda- tion for creating advanced information systems, such as territorial digital twins, to deepen the knowledge of the territory. Integrated digital surveys, utilizing three-dimensional acquisi- tion technologies such as lase scanning and photogrammetry, can serve as a reliable source of input data for creating these knowledge tools. Point clouds offer valuable morphometric databases that are often critical for documenting not only architectural and cultural heritage but also infrastructure, modern artifacts, and larger portions of the territory. Different multis- calar approaches can be adopted to cater to the specific needs and requirements, for instance providing a detailed understanding of archaeological and monumental heritage, or the contextualization of settlements in the surrounding area. By integrating these data with GIS platforms and BIM models to create a comprehensive understanding of the municipality's territory, they can be utilized for preservation and conservation efforts, urban planning and development, and identifying potential structural issues. Additionally, the data collected through 3D survey technologies can be utilized to monitor the condition of the buildings and infrastructure, promoting better maintenance and planning, even considering the risks posed by the area, such as seismic risk. The digital data can also be used to create virtual tours and interactive models, promoting the municipality's cultural heritage and economic development. While the use of these procedures in a marginal area may initially seem disproportionate, it is not so much in relation to the subject of the survey, given the universally recognized historical and artistic value of some areas. The financial effort required to undertake such campaigns may seem substantial, but the project can be implemented in phases, integrated, and completed over time.