New Advances in Documentation and Monitoring of Archaeological Sites

Dear Colleagues,

Archaeological research requires multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of cutting-edge methodologies. Specifically, the documentation and monitoring of archaeological sites represent a significant challenge in the framework of heritage studies, involving experts belonging to different fields of expertise.

In this regard, Geomatics has played a significant role, in order to coordinate different needs and expertise. Recently, new 3D sensing strategies based on range- and image-based methods have been developed to optimise this interdisciplinary synergy from a multiscale and multisensor point of view, with the aim of supporting research in the field of archaeological studies. The technological revolution observed in the last few years enabled new perspectives and allowed the development of new powerful tools supporting domain experts in their studies thanks to new digital products that enhance the interpretation of archaeological pieces of evidence and features. These products represent an opportunity for this type of research, and it is necessary to study new strategies to improve its fruition. Moreover, the integration of GIS modeling approaches in monitoring the effects of environmental changes on archaeological site conservation provides a more intricate and comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between environmental hazards and the preservation of cultural heritage, particularly in the context of the ongoing global climate change.

The Special Issue aims to address the pressing need for comprehensive documentation and monitoring, acknowledging the diverse challenges faced by archaeologists and heritage conservationists.  It seeks to explore innovative approaches and technologies in this domain, with a particular emphasis on: 3D sensing technologies and the optimization of related data processes, spanning from acquisition to processing and management, as well as satellite monitoring and GIS modeling techniques, aimed at assessing the risks posed by environmental hazards on archaeological conservation.

Contributions may cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Multiscale and multisensor documentation involving new emerging technologies for high-resolution 3D reconstruction of archaeological sites (e.g., Mobile Mapping Systems; aerial and terrestrial sensors; non-visible multispectral data), providing new perspectives and data acquisition methods;
• Aerial and terrestrial multitemporal analysis for monitoring and detecting changes over time;
• Artificial Intelligence algorithms development for enhancing the processing and the analyses of archaeological/heritage datasets, improving the automatism levels of these onerous and time-spending processes;
• 3D data fusion from heterogeneous sources (e.g., aerial and terrestrial laser scanning and image-based data; ground-penetrating radar; etc.) enhancing spatial analysis and interpretation of heritage assets;
• Photogrammetric use of multispectral and thermal imagery for identifying and spatial referencing buried structures, subsurface features, and material analysis at archaeological sites;
• Informative systems development (BIM and GIS) for the management of archaeological 2D and 3D data;
• Satellite remote sensing and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for monitoring archaeological sites over large areas and for in-depth site analysis and change detection;
• Soil erosion modeling approaches to monitor the impact of erosion on archaeological sites and understand how to effectively mitigate its effects on cultural heritage.

Dr. Giacomo Patrucco
Dr. Antonia Spano'
Dr. Filippo Brandolini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.