International Training in Digital Imaging Techniques for Cultural Heritage and Archaeology in Jordan and Egypt

The Project

This project brings together students and staff from the University of Jordan, Alexandria University, and Fayoum University with Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München to train participants in digital imaging and photogrammetry for cultural heritage and archaeology. Through online lectures, hands-on workshops in Munich, and follow-up sessions, participants learn to document monuments and artefacts in 3D, fostering sustainable knowledge transfer and digital preservation skills. The project is conducted by the Institute for Digital Cultural Heritage Studies (LMU) in collaboration with partners in Jordan and Egypt and funded by the DAAD within the Ta’ziz Short-Term Measures programme.

The Aims of the Project

• Train students and staff from Jordan and Egypt in digital photogrammetry and imaging techniques.
  
• Enable participants to document and preserve cultural heritage using 3D technologies.
  
• Build long-term teaching and research capacity in digital heritage documentation.
  
• Foster sustainable knowledge transfer between LMU Munich and partner universities.
  
• Integrate digital imaging methods into existing and future curricula in archaeology and heritage studies.
  
• Strengthen international academic cooperation between Germany, Jordan, and Egypt.
  
• Promote the use of affordable, accessible digital tools for heritage conservation and education.

The Didactic Concept

• Focus on digital photogrammetry as a practical, accessible method for cultural heritage documentation.
  
• Combine online lectures, hands-on training, and independent project work for comprehensive learning.
  
• Teach the complete workflow — from image acquisition to 3D model creation and visualization.
  
• Emphasize practical exercises using real monuments, museum objects, and field data.
  
• Include computer lab sessions for data processing, analysis, and digital archiving.
  
• Provide teaching materials and equipment to enable replication at partner universities.
  
• Encourage collaborative learning among participants from different academic backgrounds.
  
• Support lecturers in developing course concepts to implement at their home institutions.
  
• Use online follow-up meetings for project presentations, feedback, and continued mentorship.
  
• Promote sustainability and self-sufficiency, ensuring participants can teach and apply techniques independently.

Implementation of the Concept: The Training

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The training programme is structured into four interconnected phases combining online teaching, intensive hands-on practice, and independent application to ensure effective and sustainable learning outcomes.

• Phase 1 (August 2025): Introductory online lectures by Prof. Dr. Nicola Lercari at LMU Munich, covering the fundamentals of digital photography and photogrammetry for cultural heritage and archaeology.
• Phase 2 (September 2025): A two-week intensive workshop in Munich, including practical image acquisition sessions at museums and monuments, and computer lab exercises for 3D model creation. Participants work closely with instructors, receiving direct feedback and guidance.
• Phase 3 (September–October 2025): Independent implementation phase, where participants apply their newly acquired skills at their home institutions by documenting selected monuments or artefacts using digital photogrammetry.
• Phase 4 (October–December 2025): Online presentation and discussion sessions where participants present their 3D models, reflect on challenges, and refine their methods through group feedback and expert mentoring.

Throughout the programme, participants learn the full workflow—from capturing images and processing data to producing measurable 3D models and managing digital heritage datasets. The workshop also encourages participants, especially lecturers, to develop concepts for integrating these methods into their curricula, ensuring long-term impact and continued knowledge transfer across partner institutions.

Outcomes of the Project

The project successfully trained academic staff and students from Jordan and Egypt in digital photogrammetry for cultural heritage documentation. During the two-week workshop held in Munich, participants practiced hands-on data acquisition and processing, producing high-quality 3D models of selected archaeological objects and monuments.

At the end of the workshop, participants presented their results in a final session, demonstrating their ability to apply digital imaging techniques independently. These models, together with their accompanying reports, are being compiled and made publicly accessible through a digital collection hosted by the Institute for Digital Cultural Heritage Studies (LMU Munich), ensuring long-term visibility and academic use.

A follow-up online presentation brought together all participants to showcase new projects developed at their home institutions. In addition, the outcomes of the training will be presented publicly at LMU Munich and at the partner universities in Jordan and Egypt, fostering continued collaboration and promoting the integration of digital documentation methods into cultural heritage education and research within the framework of the Ta’ziz Short Term Measures programme.