Search Results (103)

This study utilises mobile augmented reality (AR) to enhance our understanding of multiword expressions (MWEs) and emphasise that linguistic diversity is part of cultural heritage. The main objective was to implement and evaluate the impact of a multilingual AR resource (in Moldovan, English, Russian, and Spanish) in educational settings and to identify a corpus of MWEs located in Spain. The research was conducted by applying a marker-based AR system in five academic subjects involving N = 220 undergraduate students enrolled in education degrees. Data were collected through two surveys, using both qualitative and quantitative methods that combined descriptive statistics with content analysis. Large Language Models (LLMs) were used to assist with data coding, complemented by iterative human validation. The findings revealed that the application was highly positively received, with 94% of participants acknowledging its usefulness and 83% expressing satisfaction. Furthermore, this study identified a teaching–learning procedure to enhance linguistic diversity in classrooms. Overall, the results suggest that mobile AR constitutes an effective and inclusive pedagogical tool that fosters active learning as a multimodal learning process and provides valuable localised MWE data to support future developments in corpus annotation. Full article

Chatbots have emerged as a promising interface for facilitating access to complex datasets, allowing users to pose questions in natural language rather than relying on specialized technical workflows. At the same time, remote sensing has transformed archaeological practice by producing vast amounts of imagery from LiDAR, drones, and satellites. While these advances have created unprecedented opportunities for discovery, they also pose significant challenges due to the scale, heterogeneity, and interpretative demands of the data. In related scientific domains, multimodal conversational systems capable of integrating natural language interaction with image-based analysis have advanced rapidly, supported by a growing body of survey and review literature documenting their architectures, datasets, and applications across multiple fields. By contrast, archaeological applications of chatbots remain limited to text-based prototypes, primarily focused on education, cultural heritage mediation or archival search. This review synthesizes the historical development of chatbots, examines their current use in remote sensing, and evaluates the barriers to adapting such systems for archaeology. Four major challenges are identified: data scale and heterogeneity, scarcity of training datasets, computational costs, and uncertainties around usability and adoption. By comparing experiences across domains, this review highlights both the opportunities and the limitations of integrating conversational AI into archaeological workflows. The central conclusion is that domain-specific adaptation is essential if multimodal chatbots are to become effective analytical partners in archaeology. Full article

This paper develops a new conceptual and operational understanding of cultural heritage transformation, interpreting it as a systemic and dynamic process rather than a static state. It explores the realities and opportunities for action when cultural heritage is understood and managed as a complex, adaptive system. The study builds on a critical review of contemporary literature to identify the multi-scalar challenges currently facing urban heritage systems, such as climate change, disaster risks, social fragmentation, and unsustainable urban development. To respond to these challenges, the paper introduces a metamodel for heritage-based urban transformation, designed to apply systems thinking to heritage management that was developed based on cases from the Western European context. This metamodel integrates key variables—actors, resources, tools, and processes—and is used to test the hypothesis that a systems-oriented approach to cultural heritage can enhance the capacity of stakeholders to connect, adapt, use, and safeguard heritage in the face of complex urban transitions. The hypothesis is operationalized through scenario-based applications in the fields of disaster risk management (DRM), circular economy, and broader sustainability transitions, demonstrating how the metamodel supports the design of cross-over resilience strategies. These strategies not only preserve heritage but activate it as a resource for innovation, cohesion, identity, and adaptive reuse. Thus, cultural heritage is reframed as a strategic investment—generating spillover benefits such as improved quality of life, economic opportunities, environmental mitigation, and enhanced social capital. In light of the transition toward a greener and more resilient society, this paper argues for embracing heritage as a driver of transformation—capable of engaging with well-being, behavior change, innovation, and education through cultural crossovers. Heritage is thus positioned not merely as something to be protected, but as a catalyst for systemic change and future-oriented urban regeneration. Full article

This article critically examines the conceptual boundaries and applications of the terms biocultural and ecocultural in interdisciplinary research addressing biodiversity threats in rural communities. The aim is to clarify their meanings and propose recommendations for their use in sustainability science. We conducted an integrative conceptual review combining a narrative literature analysis and corpus linguistics methods on 54 documents across four disciplinary areas: Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, Economics and Heritage, Ecocriticism and Literature, and Sociocultural Discourses. The narrative synthesis explores theoretical interpretations, while the corpus analysis quantifies term frequency and collocations to identify patterns of use. The results reveal that biocultural perspectives emphasise species-focused interactions, traditional knowledge, rights, ecoethics, and governance, whereas ecocultural approaches foreground discourse, communication, identity, education, and long-term ecological processes. Both frameworks converge in their concern for sustainability and cultural–ecological interdependence but differ in scope and temporal depth. This study contributes scientifically by offering a situated, interdisciplinary analysis of these concepts, and socially by underscoring the need for dialogical frameworks that respect local knowledge and expand applications beyond rural contexts to urban, educational, and policy domains. Recommendations are provided to guide interdisciplinary teams in adopting context-specific conceptualizations for research and action. Full article

Recently, young people’s historical and cultural awareness has been increasingly described as fragmented and disengaged, particularly in the context of rapid social change and “liquid modernity”. Drawing on Clio, the Muse of History, as a metaphor for historical knowledge and memory, this study addresses this challenge by examining how heritage education and history didactics can be reimagined through digital transformation within tourism and educational training programmes. Based on an action research project conducted during the academic year 2022–2023 at the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (Portugal), we combine a mixed-methods approach with surveys (n = 65) and co-creation workshops (n = 6) inspired by the Finnish Demola model. The research was presented at the INVTUR conference (2024), reinforcing its international relevance and applicability to global debates on heritage, tourism and education. The results indicate that higher education students (mainly from Tourism and Education degrees) show a low level of historical consciousness and limited cultural consumption habits, despite broad access to digital tools and cultural opportunities. However, the co-creation process revealed innovative ways of reconnecting young people with cultural identity and history, particularly through digital storytelling, gamification and virtual heritage experiences. Results show that 68% of participants report low engagement in cultural activities and that less than one-third visit museums or heritage sites regularly. These findings suggest that digital heritage pedagogies can strengthen historical awareness and contribute to more sustainable and culturally rooted forms of education and tourism. The paper concludes by proposing a framework for integrating digital transformation, heritage education, and history didactics in tourism curricula, highlighting implications for policy, pedagogy and cultural sustainability. It also underscores the urgency of rethinking digital heritage pedagogies to strengthen historical awareness and foster a renewed sense of cultural citizenship. Full article

Abandoned mines, as emblematic heritage spaces in the process of deindustrialization, preserve collective production memory and serve as vital symbols of local identity. However, current redevelopment practices primarily emphasize physical restoration while overlooking the visual expression and interactive communication of regional culture. This study introduces an augmented reality (AR)–based visual narrative framework that integrates regional culture to bridge the gap between spatial renewal and cultural regeneration. Drawing on semiotics and spatial narrative theory, a multidimensional “space–symbol–memory” translation mechanism is constructed, and a coupling model linking tangible material elements with intangible cultural connotations is established. Supported by technologies such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), semantic segmentation, and level of detail (LOD) rendering, a multilayer “position–perception–presentation” module system is designed to achieve stable anchoring of virtual and physical spaces and enable multilevel narrative interaction. Through task-oriented mechanisms and user co-creation, the system effectively enhances immersion, cultural identity, and learning outcomes. Experimental validation in a representative mine site confirms the feasibility of the proposed framework. While the study focuses on a single case, the modular and mechanism-based design indicates that the framework can be adapted to cultural tourism, educational communication, and community engagement applications. The key innovation lies in introducing an iterative “evidence–experience–co-creation” model, providing a new methodological reference for the digital reuse of abandoned mines and the sustainable preservation of industrial heritage. Full article

This study takes the Phoenix Mosque (fenghuangsi 凤凰寺) in Hangzhou as a representative case to explore the localization patterns and profound cultural connotations of colour application in Chinese Islamic architecture. The findings reveal that the architectural colour scheme of the Phoenix Mosque not only skillfully integrates traditional Islamic symbolism with Chinese cultural aesthetics but also emphasises simplicity and purity in its overall design, vividly reflecting the unique Jiangnan (Lower Yangtze) regional aesthetic distinct from other styles of Chinese Islamic architecture. This distinctive chromatic system carries significant implications for cultural heritage preservation, artistic aesthetics, and tourism development. However, it also faces multiple challenges, including insufficient preservation techniques, risks of cultural misinterpretation, and a shortage of specialised professionals. In response, this study systematically proposes a set of comprehensive strategies that combine scientific conservation and technological innovation, deepen cultural education and communication, and strengthen talent cultivation and academic research. The aim is to provide robust theoretical foundations and practical pathways for the preservation, inheritance, and innovative development of colour traditions in Chinese Islamic architecture. Full article

Virtual exhibitions of cultural heritage (CH) have become a key means for preservation, education, and global dissemination in the digital era. This study provides a comprehensive systematic review and bibliometric analysis of CH virtual exhibition research from 1999 to 2025. A total of 651 valid records were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Three tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix) support stronger analysis. Results reveal that the field’s knowledge structure can be organized into the following three interrelated layers: (1) a technology-driven layer (laser scanning, photogrammetry, VR/AR, and multimodal interaction), (2) a systemic application layer (curatorial workflows, digital museums, and immersive storytelling), and (3) a user experience layer (educational impact, gamification, and trust building). These dimensions form a cyclical pyramid framework linking innovation, interpretation and perception. The study identifies persistent regional disparities, with China and Italy leading in publication volume, while countries such as Denmark and Australia achieve higher citation impacts due to advanced policy support and digital strategies. Emerging trends highlight the growing integration of gamified learning, AI-assisted curation, and immersive narrative design. These reflect a paradigm shift from technological demonstration to cultural interpretation. This study establishes a holistic analytical framework for understanding the evolution and future directions of CH virtual exhibitions, providing an essential reference for researchers, curators, and policymakers in the heritage informatics domain. Full article

Augmented reality (AR) offers a novel way to enrich museum visits by deepening engagement and enhancing learning. This study presents the development of a mobile application for the Abylkhan Kasteyev State Museum of Arts (Almaty, Kazakhstan), designed to recognize and visualize exhibits through AR. Using computer vision and machine learning, the application identifies artifacts via a smartphone camera and overlays interactive 3D models in an augmented environment. The system architecture integrates Flutter plugins for AR rendering, YOLOv8 for exhibit recognition, and a cloud database for dynamic content updates. This combination enables an immersive educational experience, allowing visitors to interact with digital reconstructions and multimedia resources linked to the exhibits. Pilot testing in the museum demonstrated recognition accuracy above 97% and received positive feedback on usability and engagement. These results highlight the potential of AR-based mobile applications to increase accessibility to cultural heritage and enhance visitor interaction. Future work will focus on enlarging the exhibit database, refining performance, and incorporating additional interactive features such as multi-user collaboration, remote access, and gamified experiences. Full article

Studying Geography and Geology in formal education involves learning about landforms, landscapes, and the importance of preserving Natural Heritage. Geomorphosites are valuable resources with significant educational potential, as they can help students understand Earth’s history, appreciate Natural Heritage, and recognize their cultural and historical connections to the territory. By analyzing the curricular contents of the educational systems in Spain and Italy, this research proposes a novel method, focused on formal education, to assess the didactic potential of geomorphosites. The assessment is based on (i) how representative geomorphosites are of physical processes, (ii) their potential to support interdisciplinary learning, (iii) the availability of didactic materials, and (iv) the possibility of applying field techniques. The results revealed varying levels of didactic suitability among the analyzed geomorphosites, with Ulaca Hill (Spain) and Nirano mud volcanoes (Italy) having the highest didactic potential, also allowing evaluation of their relevance across different educational stages. The application of the methodology in both the Spanish and Italian contexts, with minor adjustments, showed that this approach is readily adaptable to other educational systems. Overall, this study provides a transferable framework for integrating geomorphological heritage into formal teaching, promoting place-based learning and fostering awareness and conservation of Natural Heritage. Full article

The sustainable preservation of cultural heritage, as articulated in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4, requires strategies that not only safeguard tangible and intangible assets but also enhance their long-term cultural, social, and economic value. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are increasingly applied in heritage conservation. However, most research emphasizes technical applications, such as improving data accuracy and increasing efficiency, while neglecting their integration into a broader framework of cultural sustainability and heritage tourism. This study addresses this gap by developing a set of practical guidelines for the sustainable use of AI in cultural heritage preservation. The guidelines highlight six dimensions: inclusive data governance, data authenticity protection, leveraging AI as a complementary tool, balancing innovation with cultural values, ensuring copyright and ethical compliance, long-term technical maintenance, and collaborative governance. To illustrate the feasibility of these guidelines, the paper analyses three representative case studies: AI-driven 3D reconstruction of the Old Summer Palace, educational dissemination via Google Arts & Culture, and intelligent restoration at E-Dunhuang. By situating AI-driven practices within the framework of cultural sustainability, this study makes both theoretical and practical contributions to heritage governance, to enhance cultural sustainability commitments and align digital innovation with the enduring preservation of humanity’s shared heritage, providing actionable insights for policymakers, institutions, and the tourism industry in designing resilient and culturally respectful heritage strategies. Full article

Cultural heritage is important for every group and society, as it represents a part of their identity and helps preserve traditions, along with significant tangible and intangible elements. These elements are not only passed on to future generations but also play a role in education today. Many studies have examined digital applications that promote cultural heritage, particularly those that use Augmented Reality (AR) technology. However, few have systematically examined the methodologies used in the design, development and evaluation of AR applications for cultural heritage. This narrative review addresses that gap by analyzing 45 papers published between 2008 and 2024 from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The review identifies the main motivations for AR applications, such as enhancing the learning experience, promoting tourism and the use of gamification. The majority of these applications concentrate on tangible cultural heritage, such as historical buildings and cultural routes, while intangible heritage remains less explored. In most cases, AR applications were developed with a focus on user experience, using various development tools and showing different levels of technical complexity. Although many applications initiated evaluation processes, few completed them thoroughly. These evaluations vary widely, ranging from usability tests to pre-/post-tests. The results generally report positive impacts in terms of learning and user experience. This review offers a structured framework and useful insights for researchers regarding the design and evaluation of AR applications and helps identify research gaps and limitations for future work. Full article

As the demand for high-quality visual experiences continues to grow, advanced imaging technologies offering higher realism and immersion are being increasingly integrated into various fields. Among them, glasses-free 3D imaging has gained significant attention for enhancing user experience without the need for wearable equipment. Holoscopic 3D imaging systems, known for their capability to reconstruct true volumetric images and provide natural depth perception, have emerged as a promising direction within this domain. Originating from early 20th-century optical theory, holoscopic imaging has evolved in response to diversified application scenarios and rapid advancements in micro-optics and computational imaging. This paper presents a representative historical overview of the development of holoscopic 3D systems, their unique features compared to other glasses-free 3D technologies, and their expanding presence in these applications. By analyzing representative use cases across sectors such as healthcare, education, cultural heritage, and media entertainment, this review offers a broader and more detailed perspective on the deployment of holoscopic 3D systems. Furthermore, this paper discusses current technical challenges and outlines future research directions, with a particular focus on the transformative potential of holoscopic 3D in the creative and entertainment industries. This study aims to provide both theoretical grounding and practical insights to support the next generation of holoscopic 3D imaging technologies. Full article

Historic buildings and urban streetscapes face increasing threats from climate change, development, and aging infrastructure, creating a pressing need for accurate and scalable documentation methods. This review assesses the combined use of photogrammetry and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies in preserving built cultural heritage. We systematically analyze the end-to-end workflow, from the sophisticated processing of imagery into highly detailed and accurate 3D models in photogrammetry software via data acquisition using diverse UAV platforms and sensor payloads. Through case studies, including the mapping of ancient Maya sites in the Yucatán Peninsula and the conservation of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the review highlights the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility offered by this technological synergy, underscoring its significance for heritage conservation, research, and the development of digital twins. Furthermore, it explores how these advancements foster public engagement and virtual accessibility, enabling immersive experiences and enriched educational opportunities. The paper also critically assesses the inherent technical, ethical, and legal challenges associated with this methodology, offering a balanced perspective on its application. By synthesizing the current knowledge, this review proposes future research trajectories and advocates for best practices, aiming to guide heritage professionals in leveraging photogrammetry and UAVs for the effective documentation and safeguarding of global cultural heritage. Full article

This paper examines how 360-degree panoramic tours can enhance heritage promotion, accessibility, and engagement, illustrated through two case studies: the Understory Art and Nature Trail in Northcliffe and the Subiaco Hotel in Perth, Western Australia. The Understory Art Trail was deployed in Google Street View to deliver an interactive, virtual walkthrough of outdoor art installations. This made the site accessible to a geographically diverse global audience, including those unable to visit in person. In contrast, the Subiaco Hotel tour was created with 3DVista. It integrated multimedia features such as historical photographs, architectural drawings, and narrative audio, offering users a layered exploration of built heritage. The two studies were designed so that frameworks like Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) could be applied to them to evaluate visitor experience. However, this paper focuses on the workflow for providing 360-degree panoramic tours, the integration of AR, low-cost digital twins, and the testing of interactive web platforms. Google Street View demonstrates ease of use through familiar navigation, while 3DVista reflects usefulness through its richer interpretive features. By analyzing workflows and digital strategies on both platforms, the study evaluates their effectiveness in increasing online visitor engagement, supporting heritage tourism, and communicating cultural significance. Challenges related to technical limitations, geolocation accuracy, audience targeting, and resource constraints are critically discussed. The findings demonstrate that context-sensitive applications of 360-degree tours are valuable for visibility, education, and long-term preservation. The paper concludes with targeted recommendations to guide future heritage projects in leveraging immersive digital technologies to expand audience engagement and support sustainable heritage management. Full article