Zakarpattia to create high-precision 3D models of historic wooden churches

St. Michael’s Church in the village of Uzhok, Velykyi Bereznyi District. A UNESCO heritage site. Photo: Wikipedia

A project is underway in Zakarpattia Region to digitize 15 wooden churches from the 15th–19th centuries by creating highly accurate 3D models and a digital archive, according to the project’s page, “Guardians of the Forest.”

The initiative aims to preserve the region’s unique sacred heritage, which is under threat due to military action, fires, neglect, improper repairs, and natural disasters. As part of the project, an architectural and historical study of Zakarpattia’s wooden church architecture is being conducted.

Specialists are carrying out comprehensive documentation of the sites – laser scanning, aerial photography, and photogrammetry. Based on the collected data, precise 3D models and architectural drawings are being produced, and a digital archive is being compiled with historical background notes. The materials are planned for publication on international platforms including Sketchfab, OpenHeritage3D, and Europeana.

The project runs from November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2026. Funding is provided by Oxford Brookes University and the CF Arcadia Foundation, with a total budget of 80,000 euros. The organizers say the results will be available to restorers, researchers, and the general public.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that UNESCO is checking the condition of the Lavra and construction near St. Sophia following shelling.

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