A structured introduction to recording cultural heritage, starting with the principles set out in the Venice Charter (1964), which requires precise documentation of all conservation work, and moving through the methods used in practice: from photography and physical casts to photogrammetry, architectural investigation and research methodology.

• Part 1 – Purpose and Principles of Recording The Venice Charter and the why, when, what, how, who and where of recording heritage.
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• Part 2 – Photography Photographic documentation, technical requirements, colour charts and scales, and UV photography.
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• Part 3 – Casts, Models and Photogrammetry Casts, rubbings, models, panoramic images, rectified photography and photogrammetry, with their advantages and drawbacks.
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• Part 4 – Architectural Investigation Card indexing, reconnaissance, surface mapping and sub-surface investigation, from non-destructive to destructive methods.
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• Part 5 – Research Work and Metrology Research methods and common pitfalls, plus the historical development of measuring systems.
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An overview of laser scanning as a tool for creating permanent, three-dimensional records of heritage sites. The lecture introduces the three scanner categories (close, medium and long range), compares the triangulation principle with the time-of-flight principle, and presents the Ggantija Temples pilot project carried out by the Malta Centre for Restoration.

Why do we conserve and restore our heritage? The lecture traces the development of modern conservation philosophy, from John Ruskin and William Morris, who argued for maintenance and protection over restoration, to Viollet-le-Duc, who sought to re-establish buildings in a state of completeness. Central themes are the distinction between repair and restoration, authenticity, and the idea that we should not remove value from historic buildings, only add to it.