Digitization of the 14th-Century Church in Iwiecino

We are pleased to announce the completion of the project “Enhancing Access to the Cultural Heritage of the 14th-Century Church in Iwięcino through Digitization,” implemented with funding from the “Digital Culture 2019” Program of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

The primary objective of this undertaking was to increase accessibility to the unique cultural heritage of the Gothic Church in Iwięcino by comprehensively digitizing its assets, including architecture, sculpture, painting, blacksmithing, and artistic craftsmanship.

The Church in Iwięcino, constructed at the end of the 14th century by the Cistercians from the Bukowo Morskie Monastery, is one of the most valuable monuments in Western Pomerania. Its unique architecture and richly adorned interior represent a significant cultural heritage of the region.

The primary objective of this undertaking was to increase accessibility to the unique cultural heritage of the Gothic Church in Iwięcino by comprehensively digitizing its assets, including architecture, sculpture, painting, blacksmithing, and artistic craftsmanship.

The Church in Iwięcino, constructed at the end of the 14th century by the Cistercians from the Bukowo Morskie Monastery, is one of the most valuable monuments in Western Pomerania. Its unique architecture and richly adorned interior represent a significant cultural heritage of the region.

As part of the project, a series of advanced activities were undertaken:

• 3D Laser Scanning: Laser scanners equipped with HDR functionality were used for precise measurement of the church’s architecture, resulting in a three-dimensional model of the building.
• Aerial and Ground Photogrammetry: Drones equipped with 6K CinemaDNG RAW cameras and 50-megapixel digital cameras were employed to capture high-resolution images, enabling accurate reproduction of architectural and artistic details.
• Gigaphotography and Macrophotography: Images with resolutions exceeding one billion pixels were created, allowing detailed examination of the artworks that adorn the church’s interior.
• 3D Modeling of Historic Artifacts: More than 70 3D models of movable heritage objects located within the church were developed, facilitating detailed analysis and presentation.
• Creation of Descriptions in the Dublin Core Standard: Metadata conforming to the international Dublin Core standard, encompassing 15 core elements such as title, creator, subject, and date, were prepared to facilitate cataloging and retrieval of digitized resources.
• Comprehensive Photographic Documentation: A thorough photographic record of the church, covering both exterior and interior views, was created, serving as a valuable resource for conservators, researchers, and enthusiasts of sacred art.
• Virtual 3D Model Accessible via VR Headsets: A virtual 3D model of the church was developed, allowing users to embark on an immersive tour of the sanctuary and explore its architecture and artifacts from anywhere in the world. This innovative solution provides an opportunity for individuals with limited mobility or those living far from Iwięcino to experience the unique cultural heritage in a fully three-dimensional space. To take advantage of this feature, simply visit the project website and start the virtual tour on compatible VR headsets.

These efforts have significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Church in Iwięcino, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Thanks to the use of modern measurement and visualization technologies, the following resources were created:

• Digital 3D Documentation: Utilizing high-resolution optical scanners with structured white and blue light (0.1 mm / 0.05 mm / 0.01 mm), the architecture and furnishings of the church were precisely reproduced. This faithful digital replica serves educational, scientific, and promotional purposes.
• Interactive Website: The project’s results, including virtual 3D models, 4K-quality videos, gigapans, and gigapixel photographs, are made available on the website iwiecino.pl. This platform allows users to remotely explore the monument and learn about its history and architecture.
• VR Headset Application: A virtual room has been established at the Monuments Documentation Office in Szczecin, offering a virtual tour of the church. This immersive experience enables a wide audience, including individuals with limited mobility, to explore the church’s interior.

These innovative technological solutions aid in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, granting broader access to unique monuments of sacred architecture.

The realization of this innovative project significantly contributes to the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of Western Pomerania. Through modern technologies such as 3D laser scanning, aerial photogrammetry, and virtual and augmented reality, unique sacred architecture monuments have become accessible to a wide audience. Digital documentation facilitates detailed scientific research, education, and the dissemination of knowledge about regional heritage while protecting original objects from potential damage.

Furthermore, the project website was designed in accordance with WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), ensuring accessibility for individuals with various disabilities. Compliance with WCAG 2.1 standards ensures that web content is more accessible to people with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

We warmly invite you to visit → the project website, where you can explore the results and take a virtual tour of the 14th-century Church in Iwięcino.