Baltic Sea 3D Wrecksite Ontology
The Baltic Sea 3D Wrecksite Ontology project has created the world’s largest public collection of photogrammetric 3D models representing historic shipwrecks. Driven entirely by volunteers, it provides open digital access, promoting heritage awareness, scientific research, and sustainable diving in Finland and beyond.
Initiated by the Maritime Archaeological Society of Finland (MAS.Fi), the Baltic Sea 3D Wrecksite Ontology has created the world’s largest public collection of photogrammetric 3D models representing historic shipwrecks. With nearly 200 fully documented and radiocarbon-dated wreck sites, the project offers new insights into the trade, economy and mobility that shaped Europe – with the Baltic Sea functioning as a shared economic space.
MAS.Fi, a UNESCO-accredited NGO dedicated to the protection of underwater cultural heritage, adheres strictly to the principles of Open Science and Open Data. All survey data, laboratory analyses, and resulting findings have been made freely available for non-commercial use through the society’s dedicated online research portal. Furthermore, the society actively encourages public interaction with these models, offering the possibility to print 3D replicas or creatively modify them under open licensing conditions.
Established in 2019, the initiative has rapidly become central to Finland’s maritime archaeological training, research, and heritage engagement. MAS.Fi organises Finland’s only underwater archaeology field schools and contributes significantly to the country’s annual archaeological data collection. Volunteers carry out most of Finland’s maritime archaeological fieldwork, including extensive underwater surveys and the reporting of essential conservation information to national heritage authorities.
The society’s team has also contributed to methodological innovation. A new drilling technique was developed to enable underwater dendrochronological sampling – a procedure previously considered unfeasible – significantly enhancing the accuracy of dating submerged wooden wrecks.
Two dedicated wreck parks further demonstrate the society’s innovative approach. The Porkkala Wreck Park, opened in 2018, and the Saaristomeri Wreck Park, launched in 2024, feature guided dive trails that reduce human impact on sensitive underwater sites. These parks simultaneously enhance recreational divers’ understanding and appreciation of maritime archaeology through on-site educational materials and accessible digital twins of the shipwrecks.
MAS.Fi also organises annual public exhibitions and events. Educational outreach, including hybrid public lectures and school-focused programmes, consistently reaches thousands annually.
Environmental responsibility is integral to the initiative’s operations. Fieldwork is carefully planned to minimise ecological impact, employing slow-moving vessels, shoreline power sources, coordinated carpooling, and environmentally conscious food supplies. Additionally, the society regularly participates in marine biodiversity monitoring and coastal clean-up activities.
The Baltic Sea 3D Wrecksite Ontology’s international relevance extends beyond Finland. Recognising the historical interconnectedness of European maritime trade, MAS.Fi has collaborated with UNESCO to adapt this project across other Baltic states. Through international seminars, conferences, and active dissemination, MAS.Fi has established itself as one of the leading voices in maritime archaeological research – all while being run entirely by volunteers.
“This project captures the transnational and intercultural history of the Baltic Sea. Developed with the involvement of experts, it has been executed entirely by volunteers, including members of the deaf community,” the Awards’ Jury commented.
“The Baltic Sea 3D Wrecksite Ontology project demonstrates a strong commitment to open science methodology, integrating a large number of digital twins into educational and scientific frameworks,” the Jury emphasised.
Contact: Markku Luoto, Chairman | Maritime Archaeological Society of Finland | puheenjohtaja@mas.fi | www.mas.fi