Development of a Software Module for Studying Historical and Cultural Heritage Objects Using Non-Invasive Research Data

Abstract

This work proposes the development of a software module for studying historical and cultural heritage objects using remote and non-invasive research data. The module aims to integrate modern technologies such as image processing, data analysis, and visualization to provide access to heritage information for researchers, conservators, and the general public. Utilizing non-invasive data, such as geophysical surveys, enables the collection of information about heritage objects without causing damage. The module facilitates the analysis and visualization of this data as well as the creation of interactive object models, thereby promoting further research, preservation, and popularization of cultural heritage. The module consists of three blocks: defining areas for ground-based research using interferograms; constructing a comprehensive 3D model based on ground and underground research data; and refining the boundaries of historical-cultural heritage objects and establishing protective zones. The program is developed in the object-oriented programming language VisualBasic with additional modules. This developed module could become a significant tool for studying and preserving historical and cultural objects in the modern world.

1. Introduction

In the realm of cultural heritage preservation, the development of innovative tools and technologies has become increasingly significant for studying historical and cultural heritage objects. Non-invasive research methods have emerged as crucial means for gathering data without compromising the integrity of these precious artifacts [1,2]. This study focuses on the creation of a software module dedicated to the exploration and analysis of historical and cultural heritage objects using non-invasive research data.

Preserving and understanding our historical and cultural heritage is vital for maintaining a tangible link with our past and fostering a sense of shared identity. The use of non-invasive research methods, such as 3D scanning and spectroscopy, have gained prominence in recent years due to their ability to provide detailed insights into artifacts without causing any harm [3]. The development of a dedicated software module for studying historical and cultural heritage objects addresses the contemporary need for advanced tools that can efficiently process and interpret non-invasive research data. This endeavor aligns with the broader goal of enhancing our capacity to explore and safeguard our cultural heritage, ensuring its accessibility for future generations [4].

This paper addresses the issue of researching immovable planar objects of historical and cultural heritage, such as complexes of defensive structures, settlements, and more. In Ukraine and Poland today, as in many other countries, the boundaries of planar objects of historical and cultural heritage and, accordingly, their protective zones are determined mainly by archival cartographic materials or by preserved ground elements (architectural forms and others). Subterranean elements have been determined quite rarely with the help of archaeology. This approach is fundamentally incorrect. Only the combined integration of ground and underground elements of historical and cultural heritage objects provides a complete picture and allows for the establishment of proper protective zones without losing cultural heritage. In this work, we propose the synergy of remote data and non-invasive research for the detailed study of such objects. For these purposes, a software module for the semi-automatic determination of the historical boundaries of planar historical and cultural heritage objects based on this data has been developed.

Our research subject is a historical and cultural heritage monument of national significance in Ukraine, referred to as the Lviv Citadel Defensive Complex. Throughout the citadel’s existence, it has witnessed numerous, diverse historical events.

The territory of the “Lviv Citadel” defensive structures complex was included in the state register of monuments of national significance (Ukraine) in 2010 by the order of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, No. 957/0/16-10.

The Lviv Citadel is a historic fortress located in the central part of Lviv, Ukraine. It was constructed in the 19th century as part of Lviv’s defensive fortification system. The citadel held strategic importance for the defense of the city and its residents in the face of threats from foreign armies or insurgents.

The fortress consists of stone walls, bastions, moats, and defensive towers, creating an impressive example of 19th-century defensive architecture. The central part of the citadel impresses with its massiveness and monumentality, reflecting the influence of military technologies and strategies of that time.

During World War II, the territory of the Lviv Citadel housed the Nazi concentration camp for prisoners of war, Stalag-328, where Soviet and Italian military personnel were held. Upon the liberation of Lviv from Nazi occupation, most of the prisoners were executed, and their bodies were either burned or buried in mass graves (Figure 1).

Today, the Lviv Citadel is utilized as a cultural and historical complex, hosting exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, and other cultural events. It is a popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world with its history, architecture, and unique atmosphere.

2. Analysis of Previous Research and Publications on the Research Topic

Great attention is paid to the study of historical and cultural heritage by top scholars worldwide. Each year, a significant number of scientific works are published, utilizing diverse geospatial data to investigate historical and cultural objects, including programming and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies. Here we consider some of those latest works that, in our opinion, deserve attention.

Cheng [5] delves into the symbiotic relationship between cultural heritage tourism and artificial intelligence, proposing methods to advance both development and conservation efforts. It emphasizes leveraging AI technologies to augment visitor experiences while ensuring the protection of cultural assets. This research has both positive and negative aspects. The positive aspects include the ability to use the latest technologies to preserve and promote cultural heritage, increase the efficiency of tourism resource management, and create new interactive experiences for tourists. However, there are also negative aspects, such as the risk of technical failures, the need for significant investments in the development and maintenance of technologies, and potential ethical issues regarding the use of data and images of cultural objects. This research, along with our study, is aimed at using modern technologies for the preservation and study of cultural heritage, particularly through the development of software that allows for the analysis and interactive representation of data on historical and cultural objects without causing harm to them. Parajes et al. [6] advocate for a contemporary educational approach through e-learning modules, aiming to deepen understanding and appreciation of Surigao City’s cultural heritage. The positive aspects of this research include the ability to preserve and transmit knowledge about cultural heritage through e-learning modules, which will help raise the educational level and awareness of local residents and tourists. Additionally, it can stimulate interest in cultural heritage among the youth and contribute to its protection. However, the negative aspects include the risk of insufficient funding for the creation and maintenance of such modules, potential technical issues, and the need to adapt the content for different audiences. This research can be related to ours in that both projects aim to use modern technologies for the preservation, study, and promotion of cultural heritage through the development of software that allows for the analysis, storage, and interactive presentation of information about cultural objects. Achille et al. [7] focus on innovative teaching practices to engage students and professionals in cultural heritage education, with an emphasis on hands-on learning experiences. Quintela [8] suggests integrating e-learning platforms to preserve traditional craftsmanship by modernizing educational methods. The positive aspects of these studies include the ability to preserve and promote traditional craftsmanship through interactive platforms, which helps engage the youth and expand access to knowledge about cultural heritage. This can also stimulate interest in craftsmanship and contribute to its preservation in the modern world. However, among the negative aspects, it is important to note the risks associated with the support of such platforms, potential technical problems, and the challenges in adapting materials for different educational needs and levels. These studies can be related to our research in that both projects use modern technologies for the preservation, study, and promotion of cultural heritage, particularly through the development of software that allows for the interactive presentation and storage of data about cultural objects. El Barhoumi and Hajji [9] review the utilization of Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) and extended reality technologies to enrich visitor interactions and aid in the preservation of historical heritage sites. Yang et al. [10] review provides insights into the integration of various information technologies, including HBIM, to enhance documentation, conservation, and management practices for cultural heritage sites. The positive aspects of the research include the potential for immersive and interactive experiences that engage visitors and promote a deeper understanding of heritage objects. Additionally, it fosters innovative methods for preservation and documentation. However, challenges include data integration complexity, technological requirements, and ensuring accessibility for diverse user groups. This study aligns with our theme by emphasizing technological advancements aimed at preserving and studying heritage through software tools that enable detailed analysis and representation of cultural objects without invasive methods.

Bastem and Cekmis [11] offer a comprehensive review of the historical development and current state of HBIM, shedding light on the evolution and advancements within this field. El Barhoumi et al. [12] delve into the evaluation of diverse methods for integrating 3D models into augmented reality environments, with the goal of enhancing the accuracy and efficacy of augmented reality applications across various domains. Bagnolo et al. [13] explore the application of HBIM specifically in the context of archaeological sites, detailing the process from data collection using structure-from-motion (SfM) techniques to algorithmic modeling, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize archaeological research and conservation efforts. The positive aspects of these studies include enhanced visualization capabilities, increased modeling accuracy, and innovative approaches to interpreting and preserving historical and cultural heritage objects. However, challenges such as technical complexities in data integration, the need for specialized skills, and potential limitations in accessibility and affordability complicate the implementation process. These studies align with our theme by emphasizing technological methodologies that enable detailed analysis, preservation, and interactive representation of heritage objects without invasive methods, thereby contributing to comprehensive digital heritage preservation efforts. Liu et al. [14] conduct a systematic review focusing on the utilization of static terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for HBIM, critically evaluating its effectiveness and limitations in accurately capturing heritage structures. Diara and Rinaudo [15] investigate the transition from reality to parametric models of cultural heritage assets within the HBIM framework, offering valuable insights into the intricacies of creating detailed digital representations of heritage sites. The positive aspects of the research include the high accuracy and detail of the obtained models, which contribute to the precise preservation and documentation of cultural heritage objects as well as facilitate their restoration and management. However, the negative aspects include the high cost of equipment and software, the need for specialized skills to process and analyze the data, and the complexity of integrating various data sources. These studies can be related to our theme in that both approaches use modern technologies for non-invasive data collection and analysis, thereby ensuring comprehensive preservation and study of cultural objects. Brumana et al. [16] present a study on multi-sensor high-resolution (HR) mass data models for generating multi-temporal layered digital twins of the Appian Way, showcasing the potential of this approach for enhancing maintenance, design, and immersive tour experiences. Positive aspects include the ability to provide detailed and dynamic representations of heritage sites, enhancing maintenance, design, and educational experiences through extended reality (XR)-informed tours. This approach allows for comprehensive monitoring and preservation of complex historical sites over time. However, the challenges involve managing and integrating large volumes of data from various sensors, the high cost of technology and expertise required, and ensuring user-friendly accessibility. This research aligns with our theme by using advanced technologies for non-invasive data collection and analysis, facilitating the detailed study and preservation of cultural heritage objects. Konstantakis et al. [17] propose the ACUX Typology, which aims to standardize cultural visitor typologies for multi-profile classification, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of visitor behavior and preferences in cultural contexts. Positive aspects include improved targeting and personalization of cultural experiences, enhanced visitor engagement, and better resource allocation for cultural institutions. However, challenges involve the complexity of harmonizing diverse typologies, the potential oversimplification of visitor profiles, and the need for continuous updates to reflect changing visitor behaviors. This research relates to our theme by emphasizing the importance of understanding and categorizing visitor interactions, which can be integrated into software tools for non-invasive data collection and analysis, ultimately enhancing the preservation and study of cultural heritage objects.

Dore and Murphy’s [18] work focuses on the integration of HBIM and 3D geographic information systems (GIS) for the documentation and management of cultural heritage sites, highlighting the potential of these technologies in enhancing conservation efforts and facilitating informed decision-making processes. Yang’s [19] research investigates the coordination between cultural heritage preservation and sustainable tourism development, aiming to establish strategies that balance the preservation of heritage sites with the economic benefits of tourism. Staddon [20] explores the coordination mechanisms between the protection of Karst World Heritage sites and the development of the tourism industry in the buffer zone, aiming to mitigate potential conflicts and maximize the benefits for both preservation and tourism. Positive aspects of the research include enhanced accuracy and efficiency in recording and managing cultural heritage objects, promoting sustainable tourism that balances conservation with economic benefits, and providing frameworks for coordinated efforts among stakeholders. However, challenges include the technical complexity of integrating diverse data sources, potential conflicts between conservation and tourism interests, and the necessity for robust management structures. These studies are related to our theme by emphasizing the importance of advanced technological tools and collaborative frameworks for non-invasive data collection, analysis, and management of cultural heritage, ensuring both preservation and sustainable development. Shrestha et al. [21] examine cultural heritage deterioration in the historical town of Thimi, emphasizing the importance of proactive conservation measures to safeguard cultural assets. Hamilakis and Theou [22] discuss the concept of enacted multi-temporality, viewing archaeological sites as dynamic, performative spaces where past and present intersect, shaping collective experiences and identities. Positive aspects include raising awareness about heritage deterioration, emphasizing the site’s multi-layered historical significance, and challenging traditional archaeological narratives. However, challenges involve addressing ongoing deterioration issues, navigating complex temporal narratives, and integrating diverse perspectives into archaeological practices. These studies relate to the theme of our research by advocating for innovative approaches to data collection and interpretation, aiming to enhance understanding and preservation efforts of historical and cultural heritage through non-invasive means. Lekakis and Dragouni [23] analyze the process of heritage construction in rural areas, focusing on Naxos island in Greece and highlighting the role of memory and interpretation in shaping perceptions of heritage. Maharjan [24] explores the implications of World Heritage status on local communities, using the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site in Nepal as a case study to examine the socio-economic impacts and challenges associated with heritage designation. Moreno-Melgarejo et al. [25] investigate the relationships between heritage interpretation, visitor learning experiences, and tourist satisfaction, aiming to enhance visitor engagement and overall tourism experiences at heritage sites. These studies aim to explore various perspectives on heritage values and their impact on local communities. Positive aspects include fostering dialogue on cultural identity, community involvement in heritage management, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. However, challenges arise in balancing economic development with heritage conservation, addressing socio-economic disparities, and managing conflicting stakeholder interests.

Gerstenblith’s [26] work delves into the concept of the right to objects of cultural heritage, examining legal and historical perspectives on cultural objects and reparative justice. Fan and Wang’s [27] research focuses on constructing a knowledge graph of elusive Chinese cultural heritage and extracting attribute values using a graph attention network, aiming to improve understanding and preservation efforts. Lin [28] discusses the concept of holistic protection in cultural heritage, reflecting on the values, ideas, practices, and challenges involved and suggesting innovative approaches for conservation. Li et al. [29] explore different cultural ecosystem services by analyzing rural landscape preferences using geographic and social media data, contributing to a better understanding of the diverse benefits provided by cultural landscapes. Masini and Soldovieri [30] present integrated non-invasive sensing techniques and geophysical methods for studying and conserving architectural, archaeological, and artistic heritage, highlighting the importance of advanced technologies in heritage preservation. Lehmann et al. [31] discuss non-invasive studies of cultural heritage objects, emphasizing the significance of nuclear instruments and methods in understanding and preserving cultural artifacts without causing damage. Positive aspects of the research include the development of legal frameworks for heritage protection and raising awareness of historical injustices. However, challenges lie in the complexity of the legal landscape, ensuring equal access to cultural artifacts, and addressing restitution claims. The studies on constructing knowledge graphs for elusive cultural artifacts in China, as well as on applying non-invasive techniques for heritage preservation, reflect innovative approaches to data collection and preservation, offering significant opportunities for the development of digital tools for heritage management.

The number of works on this research topic is truly impressive, but there are opportunities for niche studies to remain. For instance, the creation of a software module for processing and visualizing specific transformations, as proposed by us, remains relevant not only in Ukraine and Poland but also in other European countries and worldwide.

3. Materials and Methods

The aim of the study was to develop an algorithm for processing heterogeneous geospatial data from remote and non-invasive Earth studies and to design a software module for investigating planar objects of historical and cultural heritage.

For testing and validation of the developed software module, graphic materials of the Lviv Citadel in raster and vector formats, which were obtained in previous stages of research [32], were used, namely the following:

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Digital elevation model (DEM) of the citadel in GeoTIFF format;

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3D model of the GPR radargram profile;

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Radargram of radar scanning of specific areas of interest within the citadel in GeoTIFF format;

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Vector layer of digitized anomalies from the radargram in DXF vector format;

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Boundary of the historical and cultural heritage object in DXF vector format.

To achieve the research goal, a technological scheme for creating the 3DDEM&RADAR software module was developed (Figure 2). According to this scheme, the module was divided into three functional blocks: determination of areas of interest from interferograms; construction of a general 3D model; refinement of boundaries of historical and cultural heritage objects. The software module was implemented using the object-oriented programming language, VisualBasic.

Although this programming language is not very suitable for processing geospatial data and lags behind languages like Python, its advantages lie in the visual architecture of window construction and absolute compatibility with the Microsoft Windows 11 operating system. As the result showed, with the help of additional modules for working with mapping and raster and vector data, we successfully achieved the set objectives.

The execution of the first functional block consisted of seven stages; the execution of the second functional block of the module consisted of six stages; and the execution of the third functional block consisted of a maximum of five stages. Each functional block has the option to reduce the number of stages depending on the results obtained at a certain stage.

4. Results and Discussion

As a result of implementing the technological scheme depicted in Figure 2, a software module for investigating objects of historical and cultural heritage has been programmed in the object-oriented programming language, VisualBasic (Figure 3).

For the first command block of loading heterogeneous geospatial data, the following was implemented:

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Loading the DEM of the citadel in GeoTIFF format into the PictureBox display field (The program opens the file on disk D and loads the data into the PictureBox field. All data are loaded exclusively with a WGS84 projection and coordinate system).

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Subsequently, program code was written to load radargram data from radar scanning in GeoTIFF format into the PictureBox display field.

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Code was further written to load vector data of anomalies in DXF format into the PictureBox display field.

A third-party library such as AutoCAD.Interop was used to visualize the vector DXF file in PictureBox in Visual Basic. However, this library is not part of the standard Visual Basic toolkit and is not supported in Visual Studio Community Edition.

Since it was necessary to load and visualize the vector DXF file, alternatives such as third-party libraries like NetDxf or DXFLib were used. However, in this case, the code was somewhat more complex and required the installation of these libraries.

Testing and validation of the software module’s functionality for determining areas of interest from geospatial data help ensure the correctness and effectiveness of the block’s operation before its deployment in a real environment. Therefore, after launching the executable file of the created block, the main window of the program is loaded. Then, all the module’s functions are tested using a raster interferogram of the historical and cultural heritage object citadel in Lviv in GeoTIFF format. The first function from the functional block “Definition of AOI from interferogram” actually loads this file into the module’s window.

The next step is to execute the “Interferogram Analysis” command from the same block (Figure 4). Afterwards, the “Interferogram Analysis” command is executed, which queries each pixel of the raster for extremes of vertical displacements. During the execution of this command, an additional dialog window opens, where the user is prompted to enter the minimum and maximum values of vertical displacements of interest for analysis (accordingly, it is necessary to familiarize oneself with the general values of vertical displacements on the interferogram during its previous creation). In our case, the maximum values in this area of interest range from 16 to 30 cm (Figure 5).

After that, the software block queries all pixels in the interferogram for the magnitude of vertical displacements in each of them.

Next, the command “Highlighting areas of vertical displacement extremes” is executed. At this stage, the software module processes the results of interferogram analysis, and those pixels that fall within the specified range of vertical displacements are grouped and highlighted in orange, replacing the opened interferogram in the module window (Figure 6).

Next, the command from the second dropdown menu of the block “Generate Coordinate Catalog” is executed. This opens another dialog window into which four pairs of coordinates for each selected fragment (four of its corners) are loaded. The coordinates of each group of AOIs are separated by a space. The coordinates are loaded in the WGS84 coordinate system (Figure 7).

To export the coordinate data to a text file, you need to execute the command “Export to *.txt”. After that, the module warns that the text file will be saved in the root directory of the module (Figure 8). After obtaining the file with coordinates of the areas, it can be directly used in field conditions for conducting ground-penetrating radar or immediate archaeological surveys of underground elements of the historical and cultural heritage site.

The validation of the second created block of the software module begins with the execution of commands from the dropdown menu “Building a general 3D model.” Initially, the “Load DSM” command is executed, loading the 3D digital surface model (DSM) of the citadel in the 3DS format. The next step was to download the 3D profile of ground-penetrating radar data for the area of Lviv Citadel, where vertical displacements based on radar interferometry data were found to be the largest (Figure 9).

For loading the 3D models of surface and subsurface elements of the cultural heritage objects, two types of files with extensions *.xyz and *.3DS are used.

The XYZ data format is a simple text format for representing three-dimensional geometric data. In this format, each line of the file represents one point in three-dimensional space and contains its coordinates as three numbers separated by spaces or tabs. The first number corresponds to the X coordinate, the second to the Y coordinate, and the third to the Z coordinate. The XYZ format is straightforward to use and can be opened in many programs. It is widely used in programs for modeling and visualizing three-dimensional objects. Additionally, there are specialized programs and libraries that work specifically with the XYZ format.

The 3DS (3D Studio) data format is a binary format for storing three-dimensional models developed by Autodesk. It is used to store geometric data, textures, animations, and other parameters associated with three-dimensional objects. Files in the 3DS format can be opened in various programs for 3D modeling, visualization, and rendering.

It is worth noting that the 3DS format has some limitations and may not support all modern features of 3D modeling. For example, it does not store a complete section of materials and lighting that can be configured in 3D modeling programs.

Therefore, to work with this module, it is necessary to prepare the data for loading in advance and save them in one of the specified formats using specialized software, some examples of which are mentioned above.

For loading the model, only a fragment of the overall 3D model of the citadel obtained from radar imaging data was used, as radar imaging data covers only parts of the object’s territory. Thus, only a fragment of the surface part of the object corresponding to the size of the radar imaging area is loaded.

After loading the data of surface and underground elements, the transition is made to the main part of the “Construction of a General 3D Model” block, where the program merges the two models into one by searching and combining points with identical coordinates from the surface and underground parts of the object (Figure 10).

To render the 3D model in the PictureBox, the Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D library is utilized. Additionally, some setup is required, such as installing DirectX and referencing the appropriate libraries.

It is important to note that the prepared data must be previously saved in the WGS84 projection.

Figure 11 illustrates the constructed overall 3D model consisting of both the ground and underground parts of the research object on the territory of the Lviv Citadel.

Executing the second part of the block, which consists of a single command, we performed the export of the overall 3D model to a file with the extension 3DS or XYZ. When executing this command, a clarification window appears as shown in Figure 12.

As a result, the software module constructed a comprehensive 3D model of the historical and cultural heritage object, consisting of both above-ground and underground elements based on the data from the digital terrain model (DTM) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey.

The execution of the next module block began with the functional block “Data Loading.” Initially, the command “Load 3D Model” was executed. In our case, for testing purposes, the DTM of the Lviv Citadel was loaded in GeoTIFF format. Subsequently, we proceeded to the next step—loading the radargram obtained from ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey in GeoTIFF format (Figure 13).

To visualize the vector DXF file in a PictureBox in Visual Basic, we needed to utilize a third-party library such as AutoCAD.Interop. In doing so, the program opens the file on disk D and loads the data into the PictureBox. All data are loaded exclusively with a WGS84 projection and coordinate system.

The next step is executing the command to load GPR radargrams and vectorized anomalies based on the radargrams from the ground-penetrating radar survey in the vector exchange format DXF (Figure 14).

Unfortunately, in Figure 14, the vector layer of vectorized anomalies is not visible because ground-penetrating radar surveys were conducted only at specific points of interest within the citadel, and the detected anomalies are even smaller in size than the radargrams. The radargrams in Figure 14 are circled in yellow. These are the three locations where satellite radar surveys showed the greatest vertical displacement.

The final step of the first functional block was to load the existing object boundaries defined by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine in vector exchange format DXF.

Next, we move on to the second functional block—data analysis. To analyze whether all elements of TIFF and DXF formats loaded into PictureBox fall within the object boundaries from the mezhy.dxf file, we need to use an additional library that supports working with vector DXF files and TIFF graphic files.

In this case, we will again use the NetDxf library to work with the mezhy.dxf file and the System.Drawing library to work with the TIFF graphic files.

The first command executed from the next block is “Performing boundary analysis”. The execution of this command is hidden, and its result is loaded into the computer’s memory. Therefore, after executing this command, the picture inside the window remains unchanged.

This command performs an overlay analysis of the loaded data, after which the module determines whether all additional elements fit within the existing object boundary. If yes, the following commands are unnecessary. If not, the program rebuilds the boundary according to the newly identified elements.

The next step is to execute the command to rebuild object boundaries (Figure 15). As a result, the program visualizes the result of the previous step from its memory in the data field.

After reconstructing the boundaries of the object according to the new elements, the protective zone of the cultural heritage object is constructed (Figure 16).

Due to the constant changes in legislative norms regarding protected zones in Ukraine, we have constructed buffer protective zones at 100, 200, and 300 m. For our test, we constructed a buffer at 100 m from the updated boundary of the object (Figure 17).

The result of the module execution is the rebuilt updated boundary of the historical and cultural heritage object with an automatically generated buffer zone (Figure 18). This result can then be exported to an exchange vector format DXF and opened in any geographic information system or CAD system for further work (Figure 19).

To export the constructed buffer zone in the oz.dxf format, we need to use a library that supports this format. One option is to use the netDxf library, which provides the capability to create and edit DXF files.

To verify the display of the resulting data from the execution of the software module, we opened the exported data in the MapInfo program, and, as a result, we see the same boundaries as those in the window of the created software module (Figure 20).

5. Conclusions

Preservation of historical and cultural heritage is of paramount importance for maintaining collective identity and understanding our shared past. By proposing the development of a software module specifically tailored for studying such heritage objects, this work addresses a critical need in heritage conservation and research.

The module’s integration of modern technologies, including image processing, data analysis, and visualization, signifies a forward-thinking approach to heritage preservation. These technologies not only streamline the research process but also democratize access to heritage information, making it available to researchers, conservators, and the general public alike.

Emphasizing the use of non-invasive data, such as geophysical surveys, underscores a commitment to responsible research practices. By collecting information about heritage objects without causing damage, researchers can gain valuable insights while ensuring the preservation of these precious artifacts for future generations.

The module’s ability to facilitate the analysis and visualization of data, as well as the creation of interactive object models, represents a significant advancement in heritage research. These features not only aid in understanding the past but also pave the way for innovative approaches to research, preservation, and the popularization of cultural heritage.

The modular structure of the program, consisting of three distinct blocks, demonstrates a systematic approach to heritage investigation. By defining research areas, constructing comprehensive 3D models, refining object boundaries, and establishing protective zones, the module offers a comprehensive toolkit for heritage researchers and conservationists.

Developed in the object-oriented programming language VisualBasic with additional modules, this software module is designed to be accessible and adaptable to various research contexts. Its potential to become a significant tool for studying and preserving historical and cultural objects in the modern world is evident, particularly in the context of our research subject, the Lviv Citadel Defensive Complex.