Preserving Maritime History, One Digital Twin at a Time
Beneath the waves of the Baltic Sea lie centuries of maritime history—ships that once carried trade, people, and stories, now slowly succumbing to the effects of climate change and marine activity. The Baltic Sea 3D Wrecksite Ontology is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to preserving these treasures digitally. By creating detailed 3D models of nearly 200 shipwrecks, the project allows researchers, educators, and the public to explore these underwater sites without ever diving beneath the surface.
Through volunteer expertise, cutting-edge technology, and international collaboration, the project ensures that the past remains accessible, even as the physical wrecks face inevitable decay.
At the heart of the project is Markku Luoto, a leading figure in Finnish maritime archaeology and a passionate advocate for citizen science. With years of experience coordinating volunteers and overseeing underwater research, Markku has been instrumental in developing the methods and protocols that make 3D modelling of shipwrecks possible. His vision combines rigorous scientific standards with public engagement, ensuring that the Baltic Sea’s submerged cultural heritage is documented, preserved, and shared with the world.
We talk to Markku about the inception of the Baltic Sea 3D Wrecksite Ontology and how this work is preserving marine heritage for future gnerations.
Watch the full interview here:
