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SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

What Has Been Studied So Far?

The documentation integrates field data, 3D models, geophysical surveys, and Web GIS visualization. Archaeological interpretations are based on published sources.

01 / SURVEYING & MODELING

Drone, LiDAR, and Laser Scanning

Photogrammetry and LiDAR were used to document the terrain, walls, and structures. The processed data produced digital terrain models and 3D visualizations for analysis and presentation.

Read the Study
02 / PROSPECTION

Studimet gjeofizike

Geoelectrical surveys were conducted near Skanderbeg’s Burial Site and the Upper Castle. Resistivity maps at different depths revealed anomalies of potential interest for archaeological research.

An anomaly alone does not confirm the presence of a wall or structure; archaeological verification in the field is required.

Methods and Results
03 / MAPPING & PUBLICATION

GIS and Web GIS

Historical maps, field measurements, and thematic layers were organized in GIS. The Map Tour, 3D scenes, Atlas, and StoryMap make this documentation accessible for exploration.

Open the Applications
Plan of the Akrolis fortification
FORTIFICATIONInterpretation of documented walls, entrances and structures
3D model of archaeological structures
3D MODELLINGThree-dimensional documentation of the structures of Akrolis
Cultural heritage map of Akrolis
CARTOGRAPHYDetailed map of archaeological features and fortifications
Panoramic view of Lissos and Akrolis
LANDSCAPESpatial interpretation of the ancient city and surrounding landscape
Historical plan of Akrolis
ARCHIVEKrahasimi i dokumentimit historik me vrojtimet bashkëkohore
Archaeological prospection areas
PROSPECTIONIdentification of anomalies and areas proposed for investigation
Geophysical prospection results
GEOPHYSICSAnomalies identified through geophysical measurements
LiDAR scanning and terrain model
LiDARFrom drone survey to the three-dimensional terrain model
Geophysical field survey
FIELD SURVEYMbledhja dhe interpretimi i të dhënave gjeofizike në Akrolis
HERITAGE IN THREE DIMENSIONS

Explore the 3D Models

Explore the digital documentation of Lezhë Castle and Akrolissos directly here.

RESEARCH TEAM

Project researchers and experts

Authors of the HDZA Lezha scientific publication. Affiliations follow the IntechOpen publication.

Neritan Ceka — research team
Prof. Dr.

Neritan Ceka

Scientific Advisor · Classical & Illyrian Archaeology · Cultural Heritage

Academy of Sciences of Albania · Permanent Commission of Archaeology

Prof. Dr. Neritan Ceka is a distinguished Albanian archaeologist and Professor of Classical Archaeology, specializing in Illyrian and Classical archaeology and cultural heritage. Within the Lissus 2025 project, he contributes his scientific expertise to the archaeological research, interpretation and documentation of ancient Lissus and its surrounding archaeological landscape. His extensive experience in the study of Albania’s archaeological heritage provides an important scientific foundation for the project and for the dissemination of its results through the Lezha Turistike digital platform.

Edmond Hoxha — research team
Prof. Asoc. Dr.

Edmond Hoxha

GIS & Geospatial Technologies Expert · Scientific Researcher · 3D Mapping & Modelling

Polytechnic University of Tirana · Faculty of Geology and Mining

Prof. Asoc. Dr. Edmond Hoxha is a GIS and geospatial technologies expert at the Faculty of Geology and Mining, Polytechnic University of Tirana. His academic and research activity focuses on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital mapping, spatial data modelling, drone technologies and 3D documentation. Within the Lissus 2025 project, he contributes his expertise in GIS and advanced geospatial technologies to the mapping, analysis and digital documentation of the archaeological landscape of ancient Lissus, supporting the integration of spatial data for research, documentation and cultural heritage management.

Jeton Pekmezi — research team
Dr.

Jeton Pekmezi

LiDAR & 3D Modelling Expert · Surveying · Photogrammetry · Virtual Reality

Polytechnic University of Tirana · Faculty of Geology and Mining

Dr. Jeton Pekmezi is a geospatial and surveying specialist affiliated with the Faculty of Geology and Mining, Polytechnic University of Tirana, with expertise in LiDAR, photogrammetry, surveying and 3D modelling. Within the Lissus 2025 project, he contributes to the acquisition and processing of high-resolution spatial data and to the 3D documentation and modelling of the monuments and archaeological landscape of ancient and medieval Lissus. His work supports the digital reconstruction, visualization and documentation of cultural heritage through advanced LiDAR, photogrammetric and virtual reality technologies.

Elva Leka — research team
Dr. / PhD

Elva Leka

GIS & Geoinformatics · Spatial Data Processing · Scientific Computing

Polytechnic University of Tirana · Faculty of Geology and Mining · Department of Applied Geology and Geoinformatics

Dr. Elva Leka is a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Geology and Mining, Polytechnic University of Tirana, with expertise in GIS, geoinformatics, spatial data processing and scientific computing. Her research interests include data processing, simulation and modelling tools and the application of digital technologies in geospatial research. Within the Lissus 2025 project, she contributes to the GIS- and WebGIS-based mapping and digital documentation of the archaeological site, supporting the processing, organization and integration of spatial data for archaeological research and cultural heritage documentation.

Erland Alla — research team
MSc.

Erland Alla

Geoinformatics Engineer · GIS & WebGIS Developer · Web Developer · Remote Sensing Specialist

State Authority for Geospatial Information (ASIG), Albania

MSc. Erland Alla is a Geoinformatics Engineer specializing in GIS, WebGIS, remote sensing, satellite imagery processing, spatial analysis and web development. He works as a Senior Satellite Imagery Processing Specialist at the State Authority for Geospatial Information (ASIG) of Albania. Within the Lissus 2025 project, he contributes to GIS-based archaeological mapping, spatial data processing, digital heritage documentation and the development of WebGIS applications. His contribution also includes the design, programming and technical implementation of the Lezha Turistike web platform, integrating geospatial, archaeological, research and multimedia content into an interactive digital environment.

Altin Karriqi — research team
Ph.D.

Altin Karriqi

Applied Geophysics Expert · Geophysical Prospection · Electrical Resistivity

Polytechnic University of Tirana · Faculty of Geology and Mining · Department of Earth Sciences

Altin Karriqi is a geophysicist and lecturer at the Faculty of Geology and Mining, Polytechnic University of Tirana. His academic and professional activity focuses on applied geophysics, geophysical exploration, electrical resistivity, induced polarization and seismic investigations. He has extensive experience in field surveys, geophysical data processing and interpretation for geological, geotechnical and environmental studies. Within the Lissus 2025 project, he contributes his expertise in geophysical prospection and non-invasive subsurface investigation to support the identification and interpretation of potential archaeological structures.

Elio Hobdari — research team
Dr.

Elio Hobdari

Archaeologist · Late Antique & Medieval Archaeology · Early Christian Heritage

Academy of Sciences of Albania · Institute of Archaeology

Dr. Elio Hobdari is an archaeologist and researcher at the Institute of Archaeology, Academy of Sciences of Albania. His research focuses on Late Antique, Early Christian and Medieval archaeology, with particular attention to religious architecture, archaeological monuments and cultural heritage. Within the Lissus 2025 project, he contributes his archaeological expertise to the research, interpretation and documentation of the ancient and medieval heritage of Lissus, supporting the scientific analysis and contextualization of archaeological evidence.

Përparim Alikaj — research team
Prof. Dr.

Përparim Alikaj

Geophysics Expert · Electrical Resistivity & Induced Polarization · Geophysical Prospection

Polytechnic University of Tirana · Faculty of Geology and Mining

Prof. Dr. Përparim Alikaj is an experienced geophysicist and university professor specializing in applied and exploration geophysics. His scientific and professional activity focuses particularly on electrical resistivity and induced polarization (IP) methods for subsurface investigation. He has extensive international experience in geophysical exploration and has served as Head of the Geophysics Group at the Faculty of Geology and Mining, Polytechnic University of Tirana, as well as Chief Scientist at Quantec Geoscience Ltd. Within the Lissus 2025 project, his expertise supports non-invasive geophysical prospection and the identification and interpretation of potential subsurface archaeological structures.

Paulin Zefi — research team
Studiues

Paulin Zefi

Cultural Heritage Specialist · Local History Researcher · Archaeological Activities Coordinator

Municipality of Lezhë · Cultural Heritage Sector

Paulin Zefi is a cultural heritage specialist and researcher of the history and archaeology of Lezhë. His work focuses on the identification, documentation, interpretation and promotion of the region’s archaeological, historical and cultural heritage. Within the Lissus project, he is responsible for archaeological activities and contributes his extensive knowledge of the historical landscape, monuments and archaeological sites of Lezhë. His research and field documentation support the historical and archaeological interpretation of ancient Lissus, Akrolis and the wider cultural landscape of the region.

Ervin Kujtila — research team
Dr.

Ervin Kujtila

Archaeologist · Prehistoric Archaeology · Prehistoric Fortifications

Academy of Sciences of Albania · Institute of Archaeology

Dr. Ervin Kujtila is an archaeologist and researcher at the Institute of Archaeology, Academy of Sciences of Albania. His research focuses on prehistoric archaeology, with particular expertise in prehistoric fortifications, archaeological surveys and field excavations. He has participated in and co-directed archaeological investigations at several sites in Albania, particularly in the Shkumbin Valley. Within the Lissus 2025 project, he contributes to the archaeological research, field investigation and scientific interpretation of ancient Lissus, supporting the study of its fortification systems and early phases of settlement and urban development.

EK
Researcher

Elion Kuqali

Gjeoinformatikë / dokumentim teknik

Polytechnic University of Tirana · Faculty of Geology and Mining

Source of authorship and affiliations: the project’s scientific chapter, IntechOpen, 2026.

HDZA LEZHË PROJECT

Funding and Implementing Institutions

The project “Mapping and Documentation of Areas with Archaeological Potential in Lezhë (Lissus)” brings together scientific research and local institutions.