Survey of the archaeological site of Nemi. A training experience.

The conservation of the Cultural Heritage(CH) passes through their understanding (in the extended meaning of the term) and the survey can contribute significantly in this knowledge process with the techniques that have been developed in the years. If the documentation is the first step towards the preservation of the historical-architectonic-archaeological heritage, the figure of ‘surveyor’ also acquires primary importance. A 'good survey' requires knowledge of the instruments and techniques, familiarity with software for managing and processing data and clarity of purposes. The training is the base. The reflection about the role of the 'surveyor' inside the Cultural Heritage safeguard inspired the summer school course that has been carried out in Nemi (Rome). The aim of the course, divided in theoretical and practical lessons, was to provide the base-knowledge required to deal with the of actual measure and representation topics through a critical, interpretative cognitive archaeological journey in the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Diana. Additional topics was also the strategy and the possible methodologies for the data management, later upgradeability and moreover the usage, diffusion and web-publishing of elaborated data and results. Authors opinion is that the survey in the cultural heritage field must be accurate (metric), expeditious (but not superficial), at affordable costs; to get a good result the first 'step' to be overcame is the training of technical staff who will work in the future.