YEREVAN, Armenia — Three research teams from the American University of Armenia (AUA) Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering (ACSE) recently participated in the Digital Heritage World Congress & Expo 2025, held in Siena, Italy, from September 8–13, presenting innovative projects that bridge technology and culture. Their participation and the implementation of the projects were made possible through the support of the Afeyan Family Foundation.
Digital Heritage 2025 brought together researchers, engineers, and cultural heritage specialists from around the world to explore how new technologies are reshaping the preservation of historical artifacts and monuments.
The week-long event served as a platform for sharing practical tools, case studies, and emerging research, offering participants a clearer understanding of how digital methods are transforming the field.
Below are the outlines of the three ACSE projects presented during the conference that highlight the growing role of digital tools in documenting Armenian heritage:
“Advancing Armenian Inscription Recognition” — by Gevorg Nersesyan (BSCS ’25), AUA’s William Frazer Endowed Professor Dr. Narine Sarvazyan, and AUA Associate Professor Dr. Suren Khachatryan. This study introduces computer vision tools designed to read inscriptions carved into centuries-old Armenian monuments. Many of these characters and patterns have faded over time, making them challenging to analyze. Using 3D scans of khachkars and tapanakars — ancient carved stone monuments — the research team developed methods that more accurately identify letters, decorative motifs, and geometric elements. Their approach offers a new pathway for studying Armenian epigraphy through modern digital techniques.
“Epigraphy in Motion: Deciphering Armenia’s Tapanakar Inscriptions via Mobile LiDAR” — by WPI-AUA 2025 study abroad participants Zachary Shord (Mechanical Engineering ’26), Marley Roy (Aerospace Engineering ’26), Zara Grigoryan (BSCS ’26), Anahit Yeghiazaryan (BSCS ’26), and Satenik Baghdasaryan, senior assistant to the chair of History and Theory of Armenian Art in the Faculty of History at Yerevan State University. In this joint WPI–AUA project, students explored how smartphone-based photogrammetry can support the documentation of Armenia’s tapanakars, historic tombstones found across the country.
The team captured more than 50 detailed 3D models from different regions of Armenia, each accompanied by historical notes and expert commentary. Their work demonstrates how accessible mobile tools can simplify archaeological fieldwork while laying the groundwork for future AI-assisted reconstructions of damaged monuments.
“Bringing Stones to Life: The First Digital 3D Library of Ancient Armenian Gravestones” — by Aleksei Andrianov, 3D graphic artist and founder of Scan3D.pro; Zhanna Andrianova, 2D artist at Scan3D.pro; Garegin Muradyan, senior web developer; and Dr. Narine Sarvazyan. This project focuses on creating a large-scale digital archive of Armenian gravestones. Using photogrammetry and LiDAR, the team produced more than 250 high-resolution digital twins of khachkars and ta panakars, capturing the rich artistry of their carvings. These models are publicly accessible on tapanakars.3darmenia.com, offering an engaging resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in exploring Armenian cultural heritage in an immersive format.
“Our goal was to create the first comprehensive 3D archive of Armenian gravestones, capturing their design and spirit in digital form,” said Dr. Sarvazyan. “This project is not just about preservation; it opens up new possibilities for global access, education, and research.”
Together, these projects highlight ACSE’s expanding research efforts and demonstrate how innovative and collaborative work can help bring Armenia’s cultural heritage to a global audience.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
