The Project, The Activities, The Objectives
The project’s key feature is an open-access GIS system designed to integrate historical and archaeological data. The platform’s primary objective is to trace the urban transformation of Port Louis from its first settlements in the 18th century to the early 20th century. The methodology employed includes the following:
1) Creation and implementation of an open-access database : This database documents all historical buildings in the city, including their precise locations. It contains detailed information such as photographs, descriptions of external textures, primary construction materials, roofing, siding, construction techniques, openings, decorative elements, and attached features. Additionally, the database provides data on the visibility and conservation status of each building.
2) Chrono-typology of buildings : The database categorizes buildings into public and private types, creating a chronology-based typological classification.
3) GIS shapefile data : Historical buildings are geolocated within the current urban fabric using QGIS. The shapefiles include points and polygons to measure the conservation status and impact of historical structures on the city. Data on historical infrastructures—such as canals, bridges, drainage systems, and sewers—are also included.
4) Integration of historical cartography : The project incorporates ancient and historical maps into the QGIS platform through geo-rectification. This process involves re-drawing buildings, blocks, and wards to assess the chronology of urban development.
5) Integration of historical photographs : Old photographs of the city center are geolocated within the QGIS map. Points of view and corresponding building numbers are recorded for each image.
6) 3D modeling of historical buildings : A representative selection of 3D models will be created to showcase the main typologies of historical buildings across various time periods.
The collected data will support academic studies on the cosmopolitan nature of Port Louis as a tropical city and its evolving social challenges over time. This research will be enriched by interviews, archival investigations, and historical references. Furthermore, all data and materials will be made available to the community, encouraging participation through citizen science initiatives. These efforts aim to foster a shared and comprehensive perspective on the city’s development and multicultural identity.
Why Port Louis?
Port Louis represents an extraordinary case study of a colonial city, offering insights into the negotiations between politics, religion, economy, and heritage issues . The coexistence and interaction of colonial influences (French, British, and those associated with the East India Companies), local Creole traditions, and practices of diverse social groups from abroad (including Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and China) pose unique challenges in interpreting the urban fabric through its social dimensions . The city encapsulates the historical narrative of Mauritius, encompassing port and harbor facilities, labor quarters (for enslaved people and indentured laborers), artisans’ and free people’s quarters, officers’ residences, military structures, shops, and markets.
Strategically located at a central point in the Indian Ocean, Port Louis may serve as a “laboratory” for studying how colonial imperialism materially transformed the lives of “others” to serve agricultural production, trade, and labor control. Simultaneously, local groups within this cosmopolitan setting developed unique ways of living and adapting, shaping a vibrant and dynamic city. The surrounding landscape, offering excellent harbor opportunities, has been valued and utilized in varying ways throughout the city’s history.
In 2019, 2022 and 2023, data confirmed a relatively good state of conservation of the historic fabric, despite significant contemporary developments . The GIS and 3D modeling approach enable a diachronic analysis of conservation efforts, highlighting varying degrees of preservation and the impact of different social group agendas on the urban landscape.
The study will span five survey seasons, with the aim of mapping the entire city area. Upon completion, the GIS tool will serve not only as a resource for academic research but also as a valuable tool for urban planning and city management .
Interim Reports
Below, you can download the reports from the various research seasons, including preliminary data and methodological considerations.
2019 Report
2020 Report
2021 Report
2022 Report
2023 Report
The Team
Direction
Prof. Diego Calaon, Direction, Ca’ Foscari University, Ancient Topography
Ca’ Foscari-Venice Team
Martina Bergamo, Topographer and Archaeologist, GIS, Web GIS
Jacopo Paiano, Topographer and Archaeologist
Eleonora Dalpozzo, Archaeologist, 3d, GIS, Web GIS, Web
Damiano Paris, Topographer and Archaeologist
Sebastiano Lora, Topographer and Archaeologist, 3d, Web
Angelica Della Mora, Topographer and Archaeologist
Luigi Magnini, Topographer and Archaeologist, 3d, Drone
Daria Hemerzevska, Student
Andrea Cipolato, Topographer and Archaeologist
National Heritage Fund, Mauritius, Team
Jayshree Mungur-Medhi
Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, Port Louis, Team
Renganaden Andiapen
Vikram Mugon
Christelle Miao Foh
Natasha Kheddoo Ramcharitar
Satyendra Peerthum