Origins
The National Protective Inventory (NPI) is the basis of which heritage is protected in Malta, the formal process for protection begins at this point. The National Protective Inventory (NPI) is a collection of data inventory cards containing information on different properties which contain heritage significance. The National Protective Inventory (NPI) has its origins in the IECH (Inventory of the European Cultural Heritage) system, which commenced in Malta in 1964. The original cards were obviously in a different format but the concept of the National Protective Inventory (NPI) has always been consistent. The cards have changed in format various times over the years due to advancements in technology and efforts to increase the quality of visual presentation, and to increase valuable content information. The system was transferred time and again from one entity to another over the years according to the shifting of duties for the protection of heritage until finally falling under the guardianship of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
New Format
In 2000, a new format was created resulting in the first digital preparation of cards. The system was originally GIS-based however it was converted to html for increased user-friendliness. This system was aimed at being a pilot project for a Heritage Management System composed of all heritage-related entities in Malta. To this effect, data was collected on Mdina and Pieta’ and published on the Malta Environment and Planning Authority website. The project was presented and heritage entities and NGO’s (Non Government Organisations) were signatory however the project never eventuated. The system was retained by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for data collection however it was filtered for data to be retained only on scheduled property. This resulted in a much smaller turnover of data inventory cards however the data within them was much more detailed. Additions to the cards included planning history and references. Both these entries refer to documentation on heritage properties, in-keeping with international conventions and charters.
Recent Changes
The latest instalment of data inventory cards results in an increased volume of data contained with the cards. The data is also much more structured while streamlining the different types of cards for cultural heritage and natural heritage into a similar format. Another innovation in the system is the digital version. Physical and digital cards are easily obtainable through this system (in contrast to the 2000 system). However the main innovation in this case is the database which is used for the generation of the different interfaces. The data is entered into a database from which data is extracted:
the creation of cards
data entry into GIS for spatial database
Extraction of data for the Malta Scheduled Property Register
The use of a single data base ensures there are no discrepancies in the different versions of data. At the same time, updating of all data can be carried out as a whole instead of a case by case basis. While the National Protective Inventory (NPI) itself may not be a requirement of the Environment and Development Planning Act, the process of protecting heritage is, and the data for the protected properties needs to be retained. The National Protective Inventory (NPI) is as good a system as any, however it is both tried and tested as well as evolving both in keeping with Malta Environment and Planning Authority requirements and international conventions and charters on both heritage protection and management as well as best practices for digital libraries.