The 13th CIPA International Summer School, organized by the Laboratory of Photogrammetry at NTUA, Greece, took place from May 20 to 24, 2024, on the island of Rhodes. The event was centered on heritage documentation, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter, a key document in the field of conservation. The Summer School is part of CIPA’s broader mission to build capacity in heritage documentation, which it has pursued since 2014 through these annual programs held across various locations worldwide.

This year’s Summer School attracted 39 participants from 22 countries, including Italy, Spain, Germany, Canada, and others. A total of 73 applications were received, demonstrating the global interest and relevance of this event. Due to practical limitations and the hands-on nature of the program, the number of participants was capped at 40, with a waiting list for those unable to register on time. The participants came from diverse professional backgrounds and age groups, reflecting the broad appeal of the school in advancing knowledge on heritage conservation techniques.

The program was structured to provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Six internationally recognized instructors, all members of the CIPA Executive Committee, led the lectures and fieldwork. Participants were divided into small groups, each guided by one instructor and supported by young experts from NTUA. The hands-on work focused on documenting two cultural heritage sites: a medieval-style gate and a small Byzantine church located at the University of the Aegean’s Rhodes campus. These sites provided an excellent learning environment for participants to practice advanced techniques like photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning, and multi-band photogrammetry.

Throughout the week, participants worked on data acquisition and processing, ultimately creating 3D models, orthophotos, and other documentation outputs. The event concluded with group presentations of their results, followed by a certificate ceremony. Beyond the academic and practical elements, the Summer School also fostered cultural exchange, with social events like a traditional Greek dinner enhancing the experience for participants.

In addition to the expertise of the instructors, the Summer School benefited from generous sponsorships, including scholarships from various organizations, discounted air travel from Aegean Airlines, and equipment donations from companies like Leica and Fotopo Ltd. Overall, the 13th CIPA International Summer School successfully combined education, technology, and cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impact on its participants.