The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has provided a Leica ScanStation P40 / P30 3D Laser Scanner to Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

This piece of advanced technology is set to play a pivotal role in documenting and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.

On August 14, the Department of Archaeology and Prehistory Study at the culture ministry proudly announced their receipt of the scanner.

This news, shared on the ministry’s social media channels, also highlighted a full-day training session for ministry officials.

This hands-on training, provided by experts from Leica, the German tech giant known for producing cameras, binoculars, and similar optical equipment, was attended by six dedicated officials from the Department of Archaeology and Prehistory Study.

The focus was not just on the technical operation of the scanner but also on how to interpret, transform, and refine the data it produces.

Cambodia’s involvement with the IAEA isn’t new. The ministry revealed that the scanner was obtained through a project labelled KAM1002, orchestrated by the UN body.

Spanning from 2020 to 2024, this initiative is managed by Leng Vitou, the acting director of Archaeology and Prehistory Study Department.

Elaborating on the purpose, the ministry commented: “The project focuses on training officials to be capable of using atomic technology for cultural heritage conservation and protection. Through this project, our officials participate in short study trips and receive vital tools for the analysis and restoration of our national cultural heritage”.

The IAEA shared its aspirations for the project, emphasising its goal “to improve the effectiveness and quality of preservation and conservation of Cambodian cultural heritage artefacts”.

As technology and tradition come together, Cambodia’s rich history is set to be safeguarded for generations to come.