Szosa Bydgoska 44/48, 87-100 Toruń The Centre for Underwater Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń is a leading institution offering comprehensive archaeological services, from initial consultations to securing and protecting underwater archaeological sites.
It is the only academic centre in Poland certified in health and safety management for underwater work and holds the ISO 45001:2018 standard. The Centre has a professional team capable of carrying out complex operations involving underwater cultural heritage.
With the increasing number of investments in aquatic environments and the growing need to protect underwater cultural heritage, the CUA team offers a wide range of consulting services. These include the analysis of geophysical and spatial data related to underwater heritage, assessments of the impact of planned investments on archaeological sites, and support in formal and administrative procedures.
The CUA team provides complete archaeological supervision services for hydrotechnical construction and investment projects. This includes obtaining necessary permits, direct on-site supervision, and staff training for those working in or around the archaeological area.
The Centre offers underwater prospecting to verify the presence of archaeological heritage. During these surveys, archaeological objects are located and inventoried, and an expert opinion is issued regarding the significance and preservation needs of the heritage encountered.
The CUA team conducts full-scale underwater archaeological excavations. These involve the exploration, recovery, and preservation of submerged cultural heritage. All fieldwork is meticulously documented using 3D modelling and geodetic measurements.
Our documentation is based on high-precision 3D modelling, offering an objective and highly effective method that integrates seamlessly with investor project materials. All 3D models and survey outcomes are georeferenced using professional geodetic techniques.
We expand our research capabilities with bathymetric mapping using single-beam sonar and side-scan sonar imaging, which results in detailed sonar mosaics.
Underwater research is supplemented with aerial reconnaissance using UAVs (drones). We produce aerial imagery and generate orthophotomaps to support site analysis and documentation.
One key strength of our service offering is comprehensive data integration. Using a method developed by the CUA team, we combine results from aerial and underwater surveys, 3D models, traditional documentation, and archival materials to create complete and coherent archaeological records.
In collaboration with FROG Sp. z o.o., we carried out a project to explore and document the 17th-century remains of the quay in the port of Gdansk. The work took place on the largest turning circle of the port of Gdańsk: Zakręt Pięciu Gwizdków. We made three-dimensional documentation of underwater objects and took samples for dendrochronological dating during the work.
On behalf of Budimex and in cooperation with APB Thor, we carried out a project to identify underwater archaeological heritage while renovating the Oder Canal in Krosno Odrzańskie. Working with the Maritime Institute, we scanned with a multibeam echosounder (MBES). All potential archaeological sites were then surveyed and verified. The result was to secure the underwater archaeological heritage and facilitate further investment.