A written description of a building, no matter how detailed, does not substantially help architects in the research, design and construction process and obviously cannot replace visual means. If nothing else, photography (both black & white and color) is a tool that is available to us. Scale photogrammetric recording and measuring is much more important. The cutting-edge method of laser scanning, mainly used by Surveying Engineers is considered the best. These two methods are in some cases the only ones applicable. However, man - the architect in this case - has the first say in the process of surveying which requires direct, personal contact and work, i.e. in situ detailed measurements and preparation of scale drawings: floor plans, elevations, sections, details. At the same time, irreplaceable on-site observations are made regarding the structural condition of the building and of the materials used i.e., their structure, their structural resistance, their processing (sometimes even checking them by hand!). All this information that comprises the "genetic code" is vital for a responsible and guaranteed anastylosis / restoration of a monument or any building.

For the aforementioned reasons, we decided - following the proposals made by expert scientists - to finance the surveying of buildings of traditional architecture which hold special architectural and historical value and importance. Argyris Petronotis is a retired Professor of the Polytechnic School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the scientific supervisor of the surveying process. Surveying is the first step towards the conservation of those particular buildings and is funded by Anthi Tis Petras. However, it is essential to highlight the significant contribution of the engineers participating in the surveying teams through the minimization of their remuneration, as well as the contribution of the communities living in the areas where the buildings are located which support our efforts by being hospitable and facilitating the scientists’ work.