Search Results (553)

Assessing the condition of artworks is a critical step in cultural heritage conservation that traditionally involves manual damage mapping, which is time-consuming and reliant on expert input. This study, conducted within the ChemiNova project, explores the automation of edge detection using both classical image processing techniques (Canny, Sobel, and Laplacian) and a deep learning model (DexiNed). The methodology integrates interdisciplinary collaboration between conservation professionals and computer scientists, applying these algorithms to artworks affected by environmental damage, including flooding. Preprocessing and post-processing techniques were used to enhance detection accuracy and reduce noise. The results show that while traditional methods often yield higher precision and recall scores, they are also sensitive to texture and contrast variations. These findings suggest that automated edge detection can support conservation efforts by streamlining condition assessments and improving documentation. Full article

Historical buildings are exposed to an increased risk of fire. The direct influence comes from the buildings’ structural design and the fire protection level. The fundamental principle for reducing the loss of heritage value in historical buildings due to fire is fire protection, as part of crisis management. This article focuses on selected castle buildings from Slovakia. Three castle buildings were selected based on their location in the country. All of them are currently used for museum purposes. Using an analytical form, we assessed fire hazards and fire safety measures in two parts, calculated the fire risk index, and proposed solutions. Qualitative research, which is more suitable for the issue at hand, was used to evaluate the selected objects. The main methods used in the research focused on visual assessment of the current condition of the objects and analysis of fire documentation and its comparison with currently valid legal regulations. Based on the results, we can conclude that Kežmarok Castle (part of the historical city center) has a small fire risk (fire risk index = 13 points). Trenčín Castle (situated on a rock above the city) and Stará Ľubovňa Castle (situated on a limestone hill outside the city, surrounded by forest) have an increased risk of fire (fire risk index = 50–63). Significant risk sources identified included surrounding forest areas, technical failures related to outdated electrical installations, open flames during cultural events, the concentration of highly flammable materials, and complex evacuation routes for both people and museum collections. Full article

This paper investigates the cultural landscapes established by nineteenth-century German immigrants in South Australia and the southern Riverina of New South Wales, with particular attention to settlement patterns, architectural traditions and toponymic transformation. German immigration to Australia, though numerically modest compared to the Americas, significantly shaped local communities, especially due to religious cohesion among Lutheran migrants. These settlers established distinct, enduring rural enclaves characterized by linguistic, religious and architectural continuity. The paper examines three manifestations of these cultural landscapes. A rich toponymic landscape was created by imposing on natural landscape features and newly founded settlements the names of the communities from which the German settlers originated. It discusses the erosion of German toponyms under wartime nationalist pressures, the subsequent partial reinstatement and the implications for cultural memory. The study traces the second manifestation of a cultural landscapes in the form of nucleated villages such as Hahndorf, Bethanien and Lobethal, which often followed the Hufendorf or Straßendorf layout, integrating Silesian land-use principles into the Australian context. Intensification of land use through housing subdivisions in two communities as well as agricultural intensification through broad acre farming has led to the fragmentation (town) and obliteration (rural) of the uniquely German form of land use. The final focus is the material expression of cultural identity through architecture, particularly the use of traditional Fachwerk (half-timbered) construction and adaptations such as pug-and-pine walling suited to local materials and climate. The paper examines domestic forms, including the distinctive black kitchen, and highlights how environmental and functional adaptation reshaped German building traditions in the antipodes. Despite a conservation movement and despite considerable documentation research in the late twentieth century, the paper shows that most German rural structures remain unlisted and vulnerable. Heritage neglect, rural depopulation, economic rationalization, lack of commercial relevance and local government policy have accelerated the decline of many of these vernacular buildings. The study concludes by problematizing the sustainability of conserving German Australian rural heritage in the face of regulatory, economic and demographic pressures. With its layering of intangible (toponymic), structural (buildings) and land use (cadastral) features, the examination of the cultural landscape established by nineteenth-century German immigrants adds to the body of literature on immigrant communities, settler colonialism and landscape research. Full article

This study presents a critical evaluation of image-based 3D reconstruction techniques for small archaeological artifacts, focusing on a quantitative comparison between Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF), its recent Gaussian Splatting (GS) variant, and traditional Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. The research targets artifacts smaller than 5 cm, characterized by complex geometries and reflective surfaces that pose challenges for conventional recording methods. To address the limitations of traditional methods without resorting to the high costs associated with laser scanning, this study explores NeRF and GS as cost-effective and efficient alternatives. A comprehensive experimental framework was established, incorporating ground-truth data obtained using a metrological articulated arm and a rigorous quantitative evaluation based on root mean square (RMS) error, Chamfer distance, and point cloud density. The results indicate that while NeRF outperforms GS in terms of geometric fidelity, both techniques still exhibit lower accuracy compared to SfM, particularly in preserving fine geometric details. Nonetheless, NeRF demonstrates strong potential for rapid, high-quality 3D documentation suitable for visualization and dissemination purposes in cultural heritage. These findings highlight both the current capabilities and limitations of neural rendering techniques for archaeological documentation and suggest promising future research directions combining AI-based models with traditional photogrammetric pipelines. Full article

Ultraviolet-induced fluorescence (UVF) imaging represents a simple but powerful technique in cultural heritage studies. It is a nondestructive and non-invasive imaging technique which can supply useful and relevant information to define the state of conservation of an artifact. UVF imaging also helps to establish the value of an artwork by indicating inpainting, repaired areas, grouting, etc. In general, ultraviolet fluorescence imaging output takes the form of 2D photographs in the case of both paintings and sculptures. For this reason, a few years ago the idea of applying the photogrammetric method to create 3D digital twins under ultraviolet fluorescence was developed to address the requirements of restorers who need daily documentation tools for their work that are simple to use and can display the entire 3D object in a single file. This review explores recent applications of this innovative method of ultraviolet fluorescence imaging with reference to the wider literature on the UVF technique to make evident the practical importance of its application in cultural heritage. Full article

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, vector of dengue, is a major public health threat in the Caribbean. In Guadeloupe, where dengue outbreaks occur frequently, traditional plant-based remedies are part of the local heritage but remain poorly documented. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-mosquito potential of 38 Guadeloupean plants through an ethnobotanical survey. A semi-structured online questionnaire was conducted over five months, targeting the plant knowledge of residents. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to identify and validate relevant species. Ethnobotanical indices such as Frequency of Citation (FC), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were calculated. Out of the 38 surveyed plants, 22 were confirmed for their traditional anti-mosquito uses. The most cited species included Cymbopogon citratus (93.3%), Artocarpus altilis (25%), and Pimenta racemosa (18.3%). Comparative analysis with existing literature showed that 12 of these plants had not been previously reported for vector control. This highlights the value of ethnobotanical approaches for discovering alternative, eco-friendly vector control options and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge. The study reveals both the high potential of Guadeloupean flora and the risk of cultural erosion, supporting further research into the bioactive compounds of the most cited species. Full article

The Bignoniaceae family encompasses numerous species of ecological, medicinal, and cultural significance, yet its ethnobotanical value remains underexplored in many regions of Thailand. This study investigates the diversity, phenology, cultural relevance, and traditional uses of Bignoniaceae species in Maha Sarakham Province, Northeastern Thailand. Through semi-structured interviews with 260 local informants across 13 districts—alongside field observations and herbarium voucher collections—we documented 27 species across 21 genera. These integrated methods enabled the identification of key culturally significant species and provided insights into their traditional uses. Phenological data revealed clear seasonal patterns in flowering and fruiting, aligned with the regional climatic cycle. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices—including Species Use Value (SUV), Genera Use Value (GUV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Cultural Importance Index (CI), and Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI)—were employed to evaluate species significance. Results indicate that species such as Dolichandrone serrulata, D. spathacea, and Oroxylum indicum hold high cultural and practical value, particularly in traditional medicine, spiritual practices, and local landscaping. These findings underscore the critical role of Bignoniaceae in sustaining biocultural diversity and emphasize the urgency of preserving traditional botanical knowledge amid environmental and socio-economic change. Moreover, the insights contribute to broader efforts in cultural heritage preservation and biodiversity conservation across tropical and subtropical regions. Full article

This research investigates the metric accuracy of 3D transparent object reconstruction, a task where conventional photogrammetry often fails. The topic is especially relevant in cultural heritage (CH), where accurate digital documentation of glass and transparent artifacts is important. The work proposes a practical methodology using existing tools to verify metric accuracy standards. The study compares three methods, conventional photogrammetry, 3D Gaussian splatting (3DGS), and 2D Gaussian splatting (2DGS), to assess their ability to produce complete and metrically reliable 3D models suitable for measurement and geometric analysis. A transparent glass artifact serves as the case study. Results show that 2DGS captures fine surface and internal details with better geometric consistency than 3DGS and photogrammetry. Although 3DGS offers high visual quality, it introduces surface artifacts that affect metric reliability. Photogrammetry fails to reconstruct the object entirely. The study highlights that visual quality does not ensure geometric accuracy, which is critical for measurement applications. In this work, ground truth comparisons confirm that 2DGS offers the best trade-off between accuracy and appearance, despite higher computational demands. These findings suggest extending the experimentation to other sets of images featuring transparent objects, and possibly also reflective ones. Full article

This study explores a strategic framework for the sustainable development of Northern and Central Euboea (Evia), Greece, through the preservation and promotion of cultural and environmental assets. This research aims to redirect tourism flows from overdeveloped coastal zones to underutilized inland areas by leveraging local heritage and natural resources. The methodology was developed within the context of the AEI research project and combines bibliographic research, stakeholder consultation, GIS analysis, and socioeconomic assessment. Based on this framework, a series of thematic cultural routes and agritourism initiatives were designed to enhance regional attractiveness and resilience. The study proposes the utilization of ICT tools such as GIS-based mapping, a digital development platform, and an online tourism portal to document, manage, and promote key assets. The socioeconomic impact of the proposed interventions was evaluated using an input–output model, revealing that each EUR 1 million invested in the region is expected to generate EUR 650,000 in local GDP and create 14 new jobs. The results underscore the potential of alternative tourism to stimulate inclusive and sustainable growth, particularly in post-disaster rural regions. This integrated approach can serve as a model for other territories facing similar environmental, economic, and demographic challenges. Full article

The subject of this article is the centuries-old religious heritage of Vilnius. The aim of the article is to analyse this heritage and its reflection in the gaze of tourists. In particular, it focuses on selected Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish, and Karaite sites. The methods used in the empirical study include the analysis of reviews posted on the Tripadvisor website by tourists from different countries who visited five selected sites: (1) St. Anne’s Church, (2) Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, (3) Evangelical Lutheran Church, (4) Vilnius Choral Synagogue, and (5) Kenesa. The authors employed the method of desk research, which involves the analysis of existing data. The selection of objects was made by indicating the most commented sites of a given religious tradition for which the most comments were received. In the light of the pervasive influence of social media, it is noteworthy to observe the contemporary representation of multi-religious Vilnius that is disseminated through this medium. Urban sacred spaces are not only places of worship of interest to religious people, including local and foreign pilgrims. Furthermore, they constitute an attractive urban heritage for a significant number of cultural tourists. Committed tourists, including cultural tourists, meticulously document their impressions in various forms of narrative, offering either endorsement or criticism of a particular object. In this manner, they also interpret elements of the heritage in the local urban space. Full article

Adaptive reuse of Mediterranean earthen houses offers a unique opportunity to fuse heritage preservation with sustainable development. This study introduces a comprehensive, sustainability-driven framework that reimagines these vernacular structures as culturally rooted and socially inclusive assets for contemporary living. Moving beyond conventional restoration, the proposed framework integrates environmental, socio-cultural, and economic sustainability across six core dimensions: ecological performance and material conservation, respectful functional transformation, structural resilience, cultural continuity and community engagement, adaptive flexibility, and long-term economic viability. Four geographically and culturally diverse case studies—Alhambra in Spain, Ghadames in Libya, the UCCTEA Chamber of Architects Main Building in North Cyprus, and Sheikh Hilal Beehive Houses in Syria—serve as testbeds to examine how earthen heritage can be reactivated in sustainable and context-sensitive ways. Through qualitative analysis, including architectural surveys, visual documentation, and secondary data, the study identifies both embedded sustainable qualities and persistent barriers, such as structural fragility, regulatory constraints, and socio-economic disconnects. By synthesizing theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, the proposed framework offers a replicable model for policymakers, architects, and conservationists aiming to bridge tradition and innovation. This research highlights adaptive reuse as a practical and impactful strategy for extending the life of heritage buildings, enhancing environmental performance, and supporting community-centered cultural regeneration across the Mediterranean region. Full article

Typo-morphology, as interpreted by the Italian School of Planning, provides an approach to investigate the relationship between built form and socio-cultural patterns in vernacular settlements. This study examines Harran, a heritage site in southeastern Türkiye known for its distinctive conic domed dwellings, to explore how typo-morphological analysis can inform culturally sensitive design and adaptive reuse approaches. Despite its historical significance and inclusion in the UNESCO tentative list, Harran faces insufficient documentation, fragmented governance, limited conservation, and increasing pressure from urbanization and natural disasters. Using multiple sources and fieldwork, the research reconstructs the morphological evolution of Harran through diachronic maps across compound, district, and town scales. Reflections from Alberobello, Italy, i.e., the sister city of Harran and a UNESCO-listed town with a similarly unique vernacular fabric, provide a comparative view to explore different heritage management approaches. Harran evolved through informal, culture-driven growth, whereas Alberobello followed a regulated path. While Alberobello benefits from planned development and institutional preservation, Harran faces partial abandonment and neglect. By positioning typo-morphology as a conceptual planning tool, this paper emphasizes the need for context-responsive, ethically grounded, and inclusive approaches to heritage planning and conservation. It argues for planning practices that are not only technically competent but also attuned to place-based knowledge, local identities, and the long-term sustainability of living heritage. Full article

The preservation of historical monuments is vital, especially in societies that do not have a rich written history. One method to ensure the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage is to reuse abandoned historical buildings. “On-site documentation” is fundamental for effective adaptive reuse. During this process, the plans and construction phases of many historical buildings are obtained for the first time. This study goes beyond theoretical boundaries and focuses on approaching the documentation, evaluation, reuse and preservation of cultural heritage from an operational perspective. The historical building in question was built as a primary school by Armenian craftsmen at the end of the 19th century in the town of Zara, Sivas. After changing hands, it became a mansion and is currently abandoned. This study discusses and proposes the buildings’ reuse as an urban memory museum by means of CAD-supported on-site analytical surveys based on classical, laser, and total station measurements. Full article

The digitisation of cultural heritage has transformed how GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) institutions manage and share collections. Digital catalogues are indispensable for documenting and granting public access to cultural assets. However, integrating spatial data remains challenging due to the ambiguity, uncertainty, granularity, and heterogeneity of historical data. This study addresses these issues through a case study on the Museo de América’s “Place of Provenance” data, proposing a methodology for data cleaning and evaluating geocoding accuracy using Nominatim, ArcGIS, and GeoNames APIs. We assess these APIs by quantifying geocoding errors through a “balance sheet” method, identifying instances of over-representation, under-representation, or neutral results for geographical regions. The effectiveness of each API is analysed using confusion matrices and interactive cartograms, offering insights into misallocations. Our findings reveal varying accuracy among the APIs in processing heterogeneous historical spatial data. Nominatim achieved a 40.91% neutral result in correctly geocoding countries, underscoring challenges in spatial data representation. This research provides valuable methodological experiences and insights for researchers and GLAM institutions working with cultural heritage datasets. By enhancing spatial dispersion visualisation, this work contributes to understanding cultural circulations and historical patterns. This interdisciplinary work was developed as part of the ClioViz project, integrating Data Science, data Visualisation, and art history. Full article