MODERN METHODS FOR DOCUMENTING THE JOKCHISKI AND ARGULICKI BRIDGES IN KRATOVO
The National Institution National Conservation Centre – Skopje, within the framework of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s 2026 Annual Programme for the Implementation of the National Interest in Culture, is carrying out projects for the preparation of Basic Designs for the conservation and restoration of the Jokchiski and Argulicki Bridges in Kratovo. These projects employ modern methods of field surveying, digital documentation and accurate recording of the bridges’ existing physical condition.
As part of the activities undertaken to prepare the Basic Design for the Conservation and Restoration of the Jokchiski Bridge in Kratovo and the Basic Design for the Conservation and Restoration of the Argulicki Bridge in Kratovo, topographic and photogrammetric surveys of the structures and their immediate surroundings were successfully completed. Both projects are led by Mirjana Topuzoska, a qualified architect and Senior Conservator. The professional team also includes Kiril Denkovski, MA, archaeologist, and Tina Karovska, MA, qualified civil engineer.
Topographic surveying was carried out on site, providing accurate geodetic data on the spatial positioning of the structures and the configuration of the terrain. In parallel, photogrammetric surveys of both bridges were conducted, resulting in three-dimensional models that represent their actual physical condition.
The surveys yielded high-precision photogrammetric measurement bases intended for further digital graphic processing and the preparation of project documentation. These bases enable detailed representation of the bridges’ architectural and structural characteristics and provide an important foundation for their analysis and documentation, as well as for defining appropriate conservation and restoration solutions.
The application of modern surveying and documentation technologies enables the creation of an accurate and verifiable documentary basis, which is essential for a responsible approach to cultural heritage protection. The three-dimensional models and digital photogrammetric measurement bases provide a clearer understanding of the structures’ existing condition. This is particularly important when preparing design solutions based on the actual characteristics of each bridge.
The Jokchiski and Argulicki Bridges form part of Kratovo’s distinctive historic landscape. The town’s cultural heritage is characterised by its unique urban setting, traditional architecture and structures of cultural and historical significance. Their professional documentation and the preparation of the relevant project documentation represent an important step towards planning measures to preserve their material, architectural and cultural-historical values.
