530 
Baratin, Bitelli, Bonnici, Unguendoli, Zanutta 
The schematic objectives of this study include: 
the use of the most advanced surveying and cataloguing systems conforming to the most rigorous European norms for the 
setting up of a database of buildings and their contents considered of artistic importance; 
a critical historical analysis of buildings to ensure that all intervention strategies are formed on a sound basis of 
information; 
in depth scientific analysis of the materials used in the buildings under investigation, as well as the nature of their 
deterioration; 
the formulation of sustainable conservation policies for common characteristics of material deterioration (stone, marble and 
metals), and an ongoing research on the practical methods for their consolidation; 
an ongoing training of Maltese technicians to build a multidisciplinary workforce capable of carrying out restoration works 
on the entire system of fortifications. 
Huge efforts are thus being invested to conduct a systematic analysis at different levels (territorial, urban, construction, detailing) 
with the aim of understanding our heritage in its totality, particularly in its historical, cultural, social, territorial, and economic 
context. 
Figure 2: Schematic diagram showing the different phases of the project 
This paper will discuss the surveying works being carried out on a number of historical sites in Malta, with particular reference to the 
methodological approach to the problem, and the surveying techniques adopted for the different cases. The examples put forward are 
also representative of the different building typologies and the difficulties encountered in gathering the necessary data, and its 
eventual presentation. 
2. DOCUMENTATION PHASE 
Documentation constitutes an important phase of any conservation intervention, and is envisaged as the departure point of the 
“Malta: La Fabbrica delle Mura” project. The surveying techniques adopted for this purpose were chosen in the light of the 
multidisciplinary nature of the project, and such, as to serve as a useful instrument during both the diagnostics and intervention 
phases. 
Documentation is being carried out primarily on three levels: 
the preparation of detailed cartographic base in a scale of 1:500 to serve as the basis of an extensive numeric database 
designed primarily for the analysis of urban development, to outline the historical evolution of the fortification network, for 
the planning of restoration interventions, etc. 
the use of classical and simplified photogrammetric techniques based on both digital and analytical restitution methods for 
the preparation of detailed architectural surveys, for the purpose of restoration intervention, and cataloguing; 
the use of state-of-the-art technology to carry out topographic surveys and continuous monitoring of structural movements 
in buildings and urban spaces prior to restoration interventions. 
The examples mentioned in this paper discuss some of the different surveying systems adopted. 
2.1 Numerical Cartography in 1:500 Scale 
The advantages of a detailed numerical cartographic base in 1:500 nominal scale for the documentation of historical centres and 
fortification networks, over the conventional smaller scale aerial surveys include the possibility of: