Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1405706
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 AUGUST 2021 HERITAGE Preserving the secret history of Beneath Valletta lies another universe, with a history just as rich and diverse as the capital city above it. Malta's Planning Authority now seeks to preserve the legacy of Valletta's underworld by capturing it as a 3D model, as Deputy Director for ICT, Mapping and Digital Services Joseph Gauci explains THE story of Valletta is one of intrigue, struggles and acts of sheer courage. Ever since its foundations were laid by the Knights of the Order of St John centuries ago, Valletta has stood on the front line of Malta's most historic events, evolving into a contemporary capital city that seamlessly blends the present with the past. Yet, this fascinating heritage is not only found above ground. Beneath Valletta's surface, a vast network of subterranean structures still stands as testa- ment to the city's rich history. "The extensive underground labyrinth below Valletta is a treasure of our past. Still in relatively good condition de- spite being constructed during the time of the Knights, the place has cleverly engineered water and drainage systems, passageways and roads con- necting landmark palaces and other important buildings in Valletta. Tunnels also connect shelters that were constructed during World War II – some of which are only a few metres wide," explains Joseph Gau- ci, Deputy Director for ICT, Mapping and Digital Services at the Planning Authority (PA). "These structures give us im- portant insights into what life must have been like for people back then, so preserving them for future generations is para- mount." To do so, the PA, in collabo- ration with Professor Saviour Formosa from the University of Malta, has embarked on a project that aims to create a 3D model of Valletta's under- world to safeguard its legacy using innovative scanning soft- ware. The PA's project's team has sourced specialised equip- ment and software, including terrestrial data scanners, to gather and process the colossal amount of data and site pho- tographs required to create an accurate model of this kind. "It has been a steep learn- ing curve, which has inspired the development of new tech- niques and a shift in the way we operate internally," shares Mr Gauci. "Nevertheless, this is a hugely interesting project that will help us determine exactly what lies beneath our capital city – information that is valu- able to so many authorities and organisations across Malta." Working with Heritage Mal- ta, the team's findings will also clearly indicate the extent of restoration required to con- serve the subterranean struc- tures. Likewise, the launch of the SIntegraM portal in late 2019 officialised the sharing of this data between relevant local authorities. Besides enabling a deeper understanding of Mal- ta's development capacity, such data sharing ensures that the sites are carefully reviewed when installing underground utility supplies, for example. "The scan allows us to de- termine what exists below our feet and ensures preservation through planning," continues Mr Gauci. "This seven-year project is led by the PA, so one of its primary goals is to strat- egise a way of collating data to bring together the stakehold- ers among Malta's authorities. Through integration and co- operation, we can take a fresh look at how we process spatial data to work with Malta's as- sets and boost people's aware- ness of them." Scanning these subterrane- an structures has also been eye-opening for the project's team. "I was born in Vallet- ta, and it had always been my dream to learn more about what lay under my feet as I roamed the streets of our Cap- ital," remarks Steve Austin, a technical officer on the project. "When I first made the descent, I was in awe of the tunnels' huge size and sheer number of WWII shelters. But I was most impressed by the large cisterns built by the Knights, in which we could even see roots hang- ing down from the ceiling, be- longing to the trees in front of the Law Courts." Emanuel Pisani, also a techni- cal officer on the project, had a similar experience, as he re- calls. "To explore the hidden treasures and mysterious un- Joe Gauci