PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR PUBLIC WORKS The digitised evolution of Malta’s map from 1896 to 1927 launched during EXPO25

During the Public Service Expo 2025, currently being held by the Public Service at the EXPO Village in Ta’ Qali, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia officially launched the digitised version of Malta’s map evolution covering the years 1896 to 1927.

During the launch, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works Chris Bonett praised the work carried out by the Public Works Department and emphasised how institutions with over a century of history can transform themselves and serve as a clear example of how modernisation can take place across every sector – with seriousness, vision, and commitment. He explained that the government is committed to continuing to expand the number of services it offers online, which already place Malta among the leading European countries in this area. “This is an example of how digital transformation doesn’t only mean offering services online, but also means preserving our roots and breathing new life into them, allowing us to make better decisions for future generations,” Minister Chris Bonett concluded.

Parliamentary Secretary Omar Farrugia highlighted that this initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Public Works, demonstrates how, despite being the oldest department in the public sector, it has embraced technological innovation over the years and is committed to continuous modernisation. “In a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, we at Public Works have sought to keep pace by offering a digital perspective on how our country, including its coastline, has evolved over the decades.”

The parliamentary secretary praised the work carried out by the Research and Planning Unit within the Department, noting that this unprecedented digital advancement will serve as a valuable resource for other governmental entities in the implementation of major projects. It will also benefit various academic institutions, such as the University of Malta, which has described this digital project as a valuable national resource.

Omar Farrugia concluded by saying that the investment in this project aligns with one of the four pillars of the Malta Vision 2050, namely, ensuring that citizens have greater access to services through advanced technology and digitalisation.

Daniel Fenech, from the Research and Planning Unit, explained that this digitalization process involved extensive and innovative research, which led to the creation of the map known as the ‘Joint Ordnance Survey of Malta 1896-1927’. He further stated that after scanning the old maps, they were digitized using a system called Geographic Information Systems (GIS), allowing the public, professionals, and researchers to view how the map of our country has evolved over the years in a digital format.

The public can access this digital map by visiting the following link: https://bit.ly/MaltaMap18961927.