Digital preservation and archaeoastronomical insights: 3D digitization of megalithic heritage in the Maltese Archipelago

This paper presents the integration of advanced 3D digitization and visualization technologies in the study and preservation of prehistoric megalithic heritage sites in the Mediterranean. We focus on the digital documentation and analysis of the Borġ in-Nadur megalithic complex and other notable sites, employing a combination of terrestrial laser scanning, aerial and terrestrial digital photogrammetry. The research highlights how digital tools not only enhance the precision of archaeological documentation but also promote virtual accessibility and offer new insights into the archeoastronomical significance of these structures. We discuss the production of high-resolution digital replicas, their utility in virtual reconstructions, and the role of digital platforms in public engagement and scholarly study. The findings underscore the potential of digital technologies to revolutionize heritage conservation and research, providing a comprehensive digital approach to the safeguarding and understanding of our ancient heritage. •The paper discusses how advanced 3D digitization and visualization technologies enhance the study and preservation of prehistoric megalithic heritage in the Mediterranean, focusing on the Borġ in-Nadur megalithic complex and other sites in Malta.•Terrestrial laser scanning, aerial, and terrestrial digital photogrammetry are employed to capture detailed representations of the structures, enabling high-resolution digital replicas for virtual reconstructions and analyses.•The production of digital replicas facilitates public engagement and scholarly study through virtual accessibility, allowing broader public interaction with heritage sites.•The research includes a new examination of the archeoastronomical significance of these structures, exploring how ancient builders may have aligned these sites with celestial events.•Digital technologies offer powerful tools for the documentation, study, and preservation of prehistoric heritage, providing strategies for safeguarding these sites against environmental and human threats.•The study outlines future research that will use digital preservation to further enhance the resolution and accuracy of 3D models, and integrate these models with virtual and augmented reality for educational and research purposes.