As part of an international workshop in Ziebice, students from Hochschule Mainz and Lodz University of Technology collaborated to digitally document the historic Ziebice Synagogue. The initiative brought together participants from different disciplines to combine technical expertise with cultural heritage preservation. The synagogue, an important historical landmark, provided both a unique learning environment and a meaningful subject for digital recording.

The main goal was to create a comprehensive and precise record of the building, ensuring its features were preserved for future study and potential restoration. By capturing its current condition in detail, the project aimed to safeguard valuable architectural information and open opportunities for adaptive reuse planning.

To achieve this, students used advanced techniques such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), SLAM technology, and photogrammetry. They worked with a range of scanning devices to document both the exterior and interior, gaining practical experience in handling equipment and addressing real-world constraints like weather conditions and structural accessibility. The workflow also included data processing to ensure accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

Within three days, participants had produced high-quality orthophotomaps of the synagogue’s elevations, which offered a lightweight and detailed alternative to large mesh files. These outputs supported collaboration and analysis. The team also prepared datasets for Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM), combining point clouds, archival references, and measurements into coordinated files. This allowed students to collaboratively model geometry, assign classifications, and integrate metadata.

The result was a foundational dataset ready for developing a detailed 3D model of the synagogue. This model can be refined for greater accuracy and enriched with embedded information for future export and reuse. Beyond the technical achievement, the workshop provided participants with a practical framework for cultural heritage documentation, equipping them with tools and methods to preserve historical architecture in a digital format.