Heritage

22 pages, 1709 KB

Open AccessReview

Satellite Remote Sensing for Cultural Heritage Protection: The Consensus Platform and AI-Assisted Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific and Grey Literature (2010–2025)

by Claudio Sossio De Simone, Nicola Masini and Nicodemo Abate

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040149 - 3 Apr 2026

Abstract

Satellite remote sensing has rapidly evolved from an experimental support tool into a structural component of preventive archaeology and cultural heritage governance. Drawing on scientific publications and policy-oriented grey literature from 2010–2025, this study provides an integrated review of how optical, SAR, and [...] Read more.

Satellite remote sensing has rapidly evolved from an experimental support tool into a structural component of preventive archaeology and cultural heritage governance. Drawing on scientific publications and policy-oriented grey literature from 2010–2025, this study provides an integrated review of how optical, SAR, and multi-sensor satellite data are used to detect archaeological sites, monitor landscape and structural change, and support risk-informed planning across diverse legal and institutional contexts. A multi-platform workflow combines AI-assisted semantic querying (Consensus), bibliometric searches (Scopus), and the collaborative management and geospatial visualisation of references through Zotero, VOSviewer (1.6.19), and QGIS (3.44)-based literature mapping, thereby linking thematic trends, co-authorship networks, and geographical patterns of research and regulation. The results show non-linear but marked publication growth, a strongly interdisciplinary profile, and the consolidation of international hubs that drive advances in Sentinel-2-based prospection, Landsat and night-time lights urbanisation metrics, and SAR time series for deformation, looting, and conflict-damage mapping. Parallel analysis of grey literature and institutional initiatives (Copernicus Cultural Heritage Task Force, national “extraordinary plans”, regional declarations, and UNESCO guidelines) reveals the codification of satellite Earth observation within rescue archaeology protocols, emergency archaeology, and long-term conservation strategies. Overall, the evidence indicates a transition towards data-driven, multi-sensor, and multi-scalar research, underpinned by open satellite data, reproducible workflows, and AI-supported evidence synthesis. Full article

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17 pages, 10290 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Magnetic and Electromagnetic Survey of the Pianabella Basilica Ruins (Ostia, Italy): Archaeological Insights and New Magnetometer Prototype Assessment

by Filippo Accomando, Andrea Barone, Nicola Francesco Catalano, Dario Daffara, Francesco Ferraiuolo, Pietro Tizzani and Raffaele Castaldo

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040148 - 3 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study presents the first integrated magnetic and electromagnetic (EMI) survey of the Pianabella Basilica (Ostia, Italy), combining high-resolution magnetic gradient measurements with EMI mapping. The site, characterized by late-antique Christian architecture and funerary structures, provides a complex environment for testing non-invasive geophysical [...] Read more.

This study presents the first integrated magnetic and electromagnetic (EMI) survey of the Pianabella Basilica (Ostia, Italy), combining high-resolution magnetic gradient measurements with EMI mapping. The site, characterized by late-antique Christian architecture and funerary structures, provides a complex environment for testing non-invasive geophysical techniques. Magnetic data were acquired using the MagEx system (v.1.2.2558), a new prototype based on Micro-Fabricated Atomic Magnetometer (MFAM) technology, marking its first field deployment in archaeological prospection. Simultaneously, EMI measurements using the CMD-Mini Explorer provided data on apparent conductivity and in-phase components across three depth levels (0.5–1.8 m). The magnetic gradient map successfully delineated the Basilica’s planimetric outline, revealing anomalies (~20 nT/m) corresponding to masonry and internal enclosures. A significant anomaly (50–60 nT/m) north of the Basilica suggests a basalt-paved Roman road leading toward Porta Laurentina. EMI results corroborated these findings, with low-conductivity zones outlining walls and in-phase responses highlighting reused Roman building materials. Despite significant urban noise from a nearby railway and fences, this integrated approach enhanced interpretability and reduced ambiguity. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of next-generation magnetic gradiometry and EMI for high-resolution archaeological investigations, providing a new methodological benchmark for cultural heritage prospection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)

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14 pages, 2036 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Mechanical Coring Delivers New Pleistocene Archaeological Sites up to Eight Metres Below Surface in the Flemish Valley (Belgium)

by Philip Van Peer, Mark Willems, Mathieu Boudin and Ward Caes

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040147 - 1 Apr 2026

Abstract

Our study reveals multiple signals of Palaeolithic occupation in the Flemish Valley, a large depression in coastal northwestern Europe with an extremely sparse Pleistocene archaeological record until now. We show that mechanical coring can reveal archaeological evidence of hominin presence from deep palaeolandscapes [...] Read more.

Our study reveals multiple signals of Palaeolithic occupation in the Flemish Valley, a large depression in coastal northwestern Europe with an extremely sparse Pleistocene archaeological record until now. We show that mechanical coring can reveal archaeological evidence of hominin presence from deep palaeolandscapes that are inaccessible for standard survey techniques. At nine out of 41 coring sites, we encountered a total number of 56 lithic artefacts at depths up to 8 m below the surface. We conclude that this unexpected success rate indicates a widespread archaeological record. We believe that this survey method has the potential to increase the number of Palaeolithic sites in northwestern Europe by an order of magnitude, leading to a very different image of Pleistocene hominin settlement in this vast European lowland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Challenges in the Conservation and Management of Paleolithic Sites and Landscapes)

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23 pages, 3981 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multidisciplinary Methodological Framework for the Enhancement of Underground Built Heritage Through Graphic Design: From Documentation to Interpretation

by Andrés Galera-Rodríguez, Mario Algarín-Comino and Francisco Pinto-Puerto

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040146 - 1 Apr 2026

Abstract

Often, research on the enhancement of heritage is limited to exhaustive geometric documentation of its elements. This is even more the case with Underground Built Heritage (UBH), where heritage information differs greatly from other types of heritage and is often so complex that [...] Read more.

Often, research on the enhancement of heritage is limited to exhaustive geometric documentation of its elements. This is even more the case with Underground Built Heritage (UBH), where heritage information differs greatly from other types of heritage and is often so complex that many efforts focus on geometrically describing its three-dimensional volume and compiling heritage data. However, precisely because of its uniqueness, these actions are not always sufficient to understand underground heritage assets. This research proposes an itinerary of specific actions, an experimental methodology that not only focuses on the above, but also addresses the issue of UBH through sensory interpretation, using a taxonomy together with a graphic and plastic proposal of physical objects that can be handled and touched, allowing vision and touch to explore the tectonic qualities of these spaces, which are usually hidden or difficult to perceive due to inadequate lighting. The proposed workflow aims to be replicable in other research and applicable, either partially or fully, to other case studies of UBH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Underground Built Heritage)

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23 pages, 6737 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reimagining Corporate Food Museums as Living Labs: A Heritage-Driven Model for Sustainable, Inclusive, and ICT-Enhanced Food Innovation

by Patrizia Marti, Annamaria Recupero, Flavio Lampus and Noemi Baldino

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040145 - 1 Apr 2026

Abstract

Corporate food museums are increasingly recognised as strategic heritage infrastructures capable of mediating between industrial memory, territorial identity, and contemporary societal challenges. This paper proposes a conceptual shift that repositions corporate food museums from static repositories of brand heritage to Living Labs for [...] Read more.

Corporate food museums are increasingly recognised as strategic heritage infrastructures capable of mediating between industrial memory, territorial identity, and contemporary societal challenges. This paper proposes a conceptual shift that repositions corporate food museums from static repositories of brand heritage to Living Labs for sustainable, inclusive, and participatory food innovation. Drawing on the EU-funded GNAM project, the study adopts a qualitative methodology combining the mapping of Italian corporate food museums with an analysis of European Living Labs in the food and agri-food domain. The comparative framework informs the development of a heritage-driven Living Lab model articulated around three interconnected dimensions: cultural heritage valorisation, community engagement, and sustainable food system innovation. The model is empirically grounded through a series of design-driven workshops, technology-transfer activities, and digital engagement initiatives conducted within corporate museums and academic laboratories in Southern Italy. These include co-creation processes involving students, citizens, companies, and researchers; experimentation with food waste valorisation, biodegradable and hybrid materials, and 3D food printing; and the deployment of digital platforms and immersive virtual environments. The paper contributes to heritage studies by advancing a replicable framework in which corporate food museums act as active agents of sustainable transformation, linking cultural heritage, technological experimentation, and community participation. Full article

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19 pages, 5540 KB

Open AccessArticle

Visual Accessibility of Small Waterfalls: A New Approach to the Assessment of Natural Heritage

by Natalia N. Yashalova, Anna V. Mikhailenko and Dmitry A. Ruban

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040144 - 31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Waterfalls are common natural heritage objects. Their assessments often focus on physical properties of waterfalls and/or visitors’ judgments. However, local conditions determining the visibility of waterfalls also matter. These conditions can be understood as visual accessibility. It is proposed to assess the latter [...] Read more.

Waterfalls are common natural heritage objects. Their assessments often focus on physical properties of waterfalls and/or visitors’ judgments. However, local conditions determining the visibility of waterfalls also matter. These conditions can be understood as visual accessibility. It is proposed to assess the latter semi-quantitatively regarding physical availability of different views of waterfalls, the scalability of these views, opportunities for taking natural photographs and recreation, seasonality, the presence of physical barriers for observation, the influence of natural shadows, and the presence of safety challenges. The assessment procedure is objective because it deals with real landscape peculiarities and not with perceived aesthetics. Several small waterfalls visited by crowds of tourists in two different regions of Russia were used to exemplify the proposed approach. It was established that the Risyoksky and Batareysky waterfalls in the Murmansk Region (Russian Arctic) have limited visual accessibility, and that of the Sakhraysky, Oselkovy, and Filimonova waterfalls in the Republic of Adygeya (Russian South) is moderate. Generally, visual accessibility complicates the perception of waterfalls, and the outcomes of its assessment hold practical importance in natural heritage and tourism management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biological and Natural Heritage)

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24 pages, 16213 KB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring Remote Archaeological Sites Through Open-Access Satellite Datasets Against Natural Hazards—Case Study: Delos

by Ana Sofia Duțu, Vlad Florin Osztrovszky, Kyriakos Michaelides and Athos Agapiou

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040143 - 31 Mar 2026

Abstract

This research presents a comprehensive multi-domain environmental assessment of Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through integration of long-term atmospheric and satellite remote sensing datasets. A significant methodological contribution of this research is the development of a cross-mission harmonization approach that enables [...] Read more.

This research presents a comprehensive multi-domain environmental assessment of Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through integration of long-term atmospheric and satellite remote sensing datasets. A significant methodological contribution of this research is the development of a cross-mission harmonization approach that enables the reconstruction of a continuous, multi-decadal atmospheric record. By implementing a hierarchical calibration pipeline to harmonise Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) observations, the study effectively eliminated a 6.61-fold systematic instrument offset, producing a 21-year time series (2004–2025) of tropospheric NO₂ concentrations. Simultaneously, a 24-year analysis (2000–2024) of coastline dynamics was conducted using the Landsat archive to quantify land area changes across the island and within a 1.03 km² Archaeological Area of Interest (AOI). Results indicate that atmospheric NO₂ concentrations stabilised following a 2015 peak, while coastal erosion represents a measurable risk to structural integrity. Net land loss of 18,400 m² was documented within the AOI, driven by localised geomorphological factors and exposure to Meltemi winds. The results indicate that these environmental processes are physically independent yet collectively require a multilayered conservation strategy to protect vulnerable archaeological heritage from atmospheric pollution and coastal retreat. Furthermore, the research highlights the value of long-term satellite datasets spanning more than two decades for supporting heritage monitoring and management, especially in remote or hard-to-reach locations. Through the analysis of the spatial and temporal characteristics of these sensors, the research enables the identification of hazard proxies that can inform risk-aware decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Data Science for Cultural Heritage Climatic Change Risk Assessment and Mitigation)

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2 pages, 136 KB

Open AccessBook Review

Book Review: Gatt, M. Għar Dalam, a Window into Malta’s Past Quaternary Faunas; Heritage Malta Publishing: Kalkara, Malta, 2025; ISBN: 978-9918-627-25-7

by Antonella Cinzia Marra and Alessandro Tripodo

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040142 - 31 Mar 2026

Abstract

The book includes an in-depth review of the quaternary vertebrate fauna of Malta and proposes its arrangement into faunal complexes [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)

28 pages, 7352 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Methodological Path to Assess the Out-of-Plane Vulnerability of Archaeological Walls in the Pompeii Archaeological Park

by Marco Di Ludovico, Claudia Casapulla, Francesca Ceroni, Giuseppina De Martino, Alessandra Maione, Alessandra Zambrano and Vincenzo Calvanese

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040141 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

In archaeological contexts, isolated or poorly connected masonry elements are very common due to the absence of floors and weak connections between walls. As a result, under horizontal actions, vulnerability to out-of-plane (OOP) failures often becomes the most critical issue for their preservation. [...] Read more.

In archaeological contexts, isolated or poorly connected masonry elements are very common due to the absence of floors and weak connections between walls. As a result, under horizontal actions, vulnerability to out-of-plane (OOP) failures often becomes the most critical issue for their preservation. As is well-known, limit analysis-based approaches provide a reliable assessment of the expected OOP failure mechanisms and the associated acceleration capacity for existing masonry buildings. However, these approaches mainly refer to box-type buildings and cannot be directly applied to archaeological remains, whose morphology may differ significantly. With a specific focus on the Pompeii Archaeological Park (PAP), this study proposes a two-level classification of archaeological walls aimed at identifying their most likely OOP failure mechanisms and the most suitable analytical models available in the literature to predict their behaviour. The first level identifies recurring typologies based on the morphology of wall connections, relying on geometrical data that can be easily obtained from maps and/or on-site surveys. The second level then evaluates the effectiveness of these connections by investigating their construction techniques. The paper, therefore, proposes a general methodology for assessing the vulnerability of archaeological masonry walls to OOP failure mechanisms and discusses its application to some walls in the PAP. Full article

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30 pages, 44004 KB

Open AccessArticle

Visualising Relation Between Terminologies and HBIM Models for Historic Architecture

by Alberto Pettineo and Sandro Parrinello

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040140 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

Moving beyond the limits of purely geometric or descriptive documentation, the study conceives the digital models as a structured information system capable of coherently and queryably organising both the formal-typological and the interpretative-historical dimensions of heritage. The methodology is developed within the framework [...] Read more.

Moving beyond the limits of purely geometric or descriptive documentation, the study conceives the digital models as a structured information system capable of coherently and queryably organising both the formal-typological and the interpretative-historical dimensions of heritage. The methodology is developed within the framework of the European Horizon MSCA project Hephaestus, which investigates cross-border Cultural Heritage Routes (CHRs) and historic fortification systems in the Adriatic and Baltic basins. The paper focuses on Adriatic CHR, through the selection, organisation, and interrelation of a distributed corpus of fortified architectures, articulated according to historical phases, territorial clusters, typological classes, and multilevel relationships. The study adopts an approach centered on HBIM models and ontological frameworks, implemented through complementary top-down and bottom-up processes. The results show the possibility of structuring HBIM-derived data within an ontology-based framework capable of linking, within a single information system, architectural elements, fortified systems, and territorial entities across heterogeneous case studies. The application to differentiated contexts highlights the ability of the models to adapt to different scales and levels of complexity, supporting querying, comparison, and multi-level interpretation of heritage. The variety of sources and contexts enables the methodology to be tested across heterogeneous historical and typological scenarios, strengthening its applicability and robustness within a multiscalar information structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HBIM and Digital Technologies-Based Conservation Practices in Cultural Heritage Sites)

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34 pages, 19658 KB

Open AccessArticle

Managing the Unseen: Cumulative Human Risks and Heritage Governance in Ghadames, Libya

by Fatma Seila, Gehan Selim and May Newisar

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040139 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

The city of Ghadames, which includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other local heritage sites such as Roman ruins, an Ottoman fortress, and a traditional mud village, exemplifies the challenges of conserving heritage in conflict-affected and neglected urban environments. This study [...] Read more.

The city of Ghadames, which includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other local heritage sites such as Roman ruins, an Ottoman fortress, and a traditional mud village, exemplifies the challenges of conserving heritage in conflict-affected and neglected urban environments. This study aims to analyse the cumulative, long-term human threats, such as neglect, weak governance, and uncontrolled tourism, that gradually erode the city’s cultural fabric. The study uses a qualitative, interpretive approach, analysing official documents and conducting semi-structured interviews with local officials and heritage management experts. The findings indicate that human risks in Ghadames are not primarily due to direct actions but rather result from systemic neglect and fragmented governance, which exacerbate the vulnerability of tangible heritage. The results also reveal that the lack of comprehensive conservation policies, along with centralised heritage management and reliance on short-term, reactive measures, such as temporary restoration or tourism-focused initiatives, has led to damage that could become irreversible over time. The paper argues that successful and sustainable heritage conservation requires integrating community-based governance, long-term policy reform, and participatory risk management. It situates these findings within the broader context of Libya’s heritage, which serves as the foundation of national memory. It emphasises that addressing human risks as cumulative processes, rather than as temporary events, is crucial to safeguarding Libyan cultural heritage and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. By examining Ghadames as a case study, the paper proposes a model for sustainable heritage protection across Libya’s vulnerable cultural landscapes. Full article

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23 pages, 3519 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigation of Cultural Differences: Co-Produced Temporary Exhibition with Strong Storytelling and Design Analysis

by Jiang Xue and Xiang Li

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040138 - 29 Mar 2026

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a museum exhibition designed to encourage visitors to engage in a dialogue on ancient civilizations, thereby providing a reference pathway for achieving cross-cultural exhibitions through intergovernmental cooperation. The Shanghai Museum’s exhibition ‘ON TOP OF THE [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper is to present a museum exhibition designed to encourage visitors to engage in a dialogue on ancient civilizations, thereby providing a reference pathway for achieving cross-cultural exhibitions through intergovernmental cooperation. The Shanghai Museum’s exhibition ‘ON TOP OF THE PYRAMID: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt’ is analyzed through qualitative analysis, based on data collected from semi-structured interviews, document analysis, visitor feedback, and field surveys. The curatorial strategy and achievements of the exhibition are also discussed, together with the existing challenges and the measures adopted. The results of co-curation are evaluated on an economic level within the framework of international cooperation. Briefly, the article concludes that the exhibition prioritized interactive elements intended to support visitor participation. A neutral and academic narrative is crucial for a co-curated immersive exhibition design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Museum and Heritage)

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25 pages, 6383 KB

Open AccessArticle

Heritage of Hybrid Temples at the Margins as Tourist Attractions: Insights from a Thai–Chinese Temple on Malaysia–Thai Borderland

by Punya Tepsing, Kiran Shinde and Thaenphan Senaphan Buamai

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040137 - 28 Mar 2026

Abstract

This paper investigates how hybrid temples are created and transformed into tourist attractions, focusing on Wat Phothikyan Phutthathum—a Thai–Chinese temple located in Kelantan, close to Malaysia’s border with Thailand. This study aims to understand how both the local Thai minority and Chinese majority [...] Read more.

This paper investigates how hybrid temples are created and transformed into tourist attractions, focusing on Wat Phothikyan Phutthathum—a Thai–Chinese temple located in Kelantan, close to Malaysia’s border with Thailand. This study aims to understand how both the local Thai minority and Chinese majority contribute to temple hybridisation, examine the influence of such temples on community identity, and explore their growing importance as tourist attractions. It highlights the negotiation and cultural exchange that shape new heritage spaces for borderland communities. Using visual analysis and interviews, the research shows that, since there are no Chinese temples nearby, Chinese Buddhists and Taoists adapt Thai temples by incorporating their own rituals and art. This results in blended iconography and practices, guided by an open-minded Thai monk. Features like large Buddha statues, staircases featuring naga-dragon designs, and murals combining different traditions reveal this fusion. The temple’s unique artwork and spiritual environment attract visitors from Muslim-majority areas and various countries like Thailand, Taiwan, and Singapore. As tourism becomes central to the temple’s role, the local authorities emphasise its religious significance and multicultural symbolism, aligning with economic interests and daily interactions among minority groups. This study offers valuable empirical and theoretical perspectives on the blending of religious heritage sites in border regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Landscape and Sustainable Heritage Tourism)

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27 pages, 2258 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards a Relational Egyptology: The Emergence of Social Network Analysis in Egyptian Studies

by Joaquín Jiménez-Puerto

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040136 - 28 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review of Social Network Analysis (SNA) applications in Egyptology, examining methodological developments, current achievements, and future research directions. Despite Egypt’s exceptional documentary legacy spanning three millennia—administrative papyri, diplomatic correspondence, and prosopographical inscriptions—Egyptology has adopted network analytical methods more [...] Read more.

This study presents a systematic review of Social Network Analysis (SNA) applications in Egyptology, examining methodological developments, current achievements, and future research directions. Despite Egypt’s exceptional documentary legacy spanning three millennia—administrative papyri, diplomatic correspondence, and prosopographical inscriptions—Egyptology has adopted network analytical methods more slowly than other archaeological disciplines. The review evaluates existing research across major historical periods, assessing methodological approaches and contributions to understanding Egyptian administrative structures, elite strategies, and social organization. Critical gaps identified include limited coverage of the Late Period, insufficient attention to economic and religious networks, minimal focus on gender and household-level analysis, and geographic concentration in Upper Egypt. The review also identifies methodological challenges specific to Egyptian sources: temporal depth, hierarchical social structures, preservation biases, and integration of diverse evidence types. Priority areas for development include large-scale collaborative projects, computational relationship extraction from digitised sources, and temporal network analysis capitalising on Egypt’s exceptional chronological span. The field stands at a critical juncture where coordinated development could transform understanding of ancient Egyptian society while contributing to broader archaeological network science. Full article

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21 pages, 5843 KB

Open AccessArticle

Process-Based Technical Evidence for a Rotationally Constructed Cubist Painting Associated with Pablo Picasso

by Marica Bakovic and Ana Pejovic-Milic

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040135 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study uses a process-based technical approach combining X-ray radiography, visible and raking-light examination, and cross-modal image comparison to assess the construction logic of a Cubist-period painting associated with Pablo Picasso. Across the X-ray dataset, the painting shows orientation-dependent structural coherence, hierarchically organized [...] Read more.

This study uses a process-based technical approach combining X-ray radiography, visible and raking-light examination, and cross-modal image comparison to assess the construction logic of a Cubist-period painting associated with Pablo Picasso. Across the X-ray dataset, the painting shows orientation-dependent structural coherence, hierarchically organized planning seams with mechanically sensible terminations, and a multistage base-layer construction that remains interpretable under grayscale inversion and rotation. Visible and raking-light images reveal physically incised inscriptions, names, places, and numerals with later paint settling into grooves and, in some areas, bridging over them, establishing a clear sequence in which inscriptions precede overpainting. Reduced color and polarity-inversion checks confirm that these features are carried by luminance and surface relief rather than color artifacts. Together, these converging lines of evidence support an interpretation of a multi-campaign, orientation-aware construction process consistent with documented working methods from Picasso’s relevant period and difficult to replicate by superficial imitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Scientific Analysis and Conservation Techniques in the Preservation of Painted Artifacts)

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23 pages, 6950 KB

Open AccessArticle

Under-Canopy Archaeological Mapping Using LiDAR Data and AI Methods

by Gabriele Mazzacca and Fabio Remondino

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040134 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) and UAV-mounted LiDAR sensors have become well-established tools for identifying and mapping archaeological features across varying scales and contexts. Numerous algorithms have been developed over the years for generating Digital Terrain or Features Models (DTMs/DFMs), which provide an accurate [...] Read more.

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) and UAV-mounted LiDAR sensors have become well-established tools for identifying and mapping archaeological features across varying scales and contexts. Numerous algorithms have been developed over the years for generating Digital Terrain or Features Models (DTMs/DFMs), which provide an accurate representation of the ground or structures’ surface, serving as the foundation for subsequent archaeological analyses. In this study, we report the developed multi-level multi-resolution (MLMR) methodology, based on machine/deep learning methods, for DFM generation through point cloud semantic segmentation. The work also compares different approaches and the impact of the resolution on their performance. To this end, each approach’s performance is evaluated with a series of quantitative and qualitative analyses, with an eye on hardware limitations and time constraints. Three test sites from Mediterranean and Alpine environments, with manually annotated ground truth data, are used for the evaluation of each methodological approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 2D and 3D Modeling Techniques and AI Applications for Archaeological Site Documentation and Preservation)

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31 pages, 8038 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Digital Environments for the Knowledge and Management of Low-Accessible Cultural Heritage: A Multiscale Web-Based Framework

by Margherita Lasorella, Maria Felicia Letizia Rondinelli, Antonella Guida and Fabio Fatiguso

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040133 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Low-accessible Cultural Heritage, including hypogeal sites, rupestrian architectures, and fragile structures, represents a major challenge for conservation, documentation, and continuous monitoring. These limitations stem from multiple inaccessibility factors, classified as physical (morphological complexity), asset risk (microclimatic instability), health and safety (structural vulnerability), managerial [...] Read more.

Low-accessible Cultural Heritage, including hypogeal sites, rupestrian architectures, and fragile structures, represents a major challenge for conservation, documentation, and continuous monitoring. These limitations stem from multiple inaccessibility factors, classified as physical (morphological complexity), asset risk (microclimatic instability), health and safety (structural vulnerability), managerial (lack of public access), and cognitive (lack of documentation). This research aims to transform digital models from mere representational tools into integrated cognitive and operational systems supporting decision-making and preventive conservation. The proposed methodological workflow is structured into five main phases: Preliminary Knowledge and Multidisciplinary Data Structuring (Ph1. PK–MDS), Comprehensive Digital Survey (Ph2. CDS), Development of Integrated Digital Models (Ph3. IDMs), Advanced Diagnosis and Monitoring (Ph4. ADM) and the implementation of an Integrated Digital Environment for Hypogeal Heritage Management (Ph5. IDE). Ph4 operates on two complementary scales: at the site scale, range-based point clouds enable the semi-automatic identification of extensive decay patterns, such as biological colonization. At the detail scale, the Random Forest algorithm enables the segmentation and quantification of material loss on frescoed surfaces through a diachronic comparison of historical and current data. Validated on the San Pellegrino complex in Matera, selected as a paradigmatic case study of low-accessibility hypogeal sites, representative of a broader system comprising approximately 150 rupestrian cult architectures, the methodology demonstrates how immersive digital environments function as shared knowledge spaces, supporting more informed, inclusive, and resilient heritage conservative management. Full article

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18 pages, 11487 KB

Open AccessArticle

Historical Maps as a Tool for Underwater Cultural Heritage Recognition

by Isabel Vaz de Freitas, Joaquim Flores and Helena Albuquerque

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040132 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Underwater cultural heritage represents a fragile and largely unexplored component of historical landscapes, particularly in dynamic fluvial and coastal environments. Despite increasing international attention to its protection, the spatial identification of submerged heritage remains methodologically challenging. This study proposes a geo-historical approach that [...] Read more.

Underwater cultural heritage represents a fragile and largely unexplored component of historical landscapes, particularly in dynamic fluvial and coastal environments. Despite increasing international attention to its protection, the spatial identification of submerged heritage remains methodologically challenging. This study proposes a geo-historical approach that integrates historical cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify areas of high archaeological potential in underwater contexts. Focusing on the Douro River in Porto (Portugal), a UNESCO World Heritage city with a long maritime and fluvial history, the research analyses a set of key historical maps from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, complemented by documentary and archaeological sources. These cartographic materials were georeferenced and critically assessed in QGIS, enabling the digitisation of features associated with land–water interaction, navigation hazards, port infrastructures, and military defences. The resulting spatial dataset was used to generate an interpretative map and a kernel density model highlighting potential underwater heritage hotspots along the riverbed and riverbanks. The findings identify several priority zones, including the river mouth, historic quays, former shipbuilding areas, and sectors linked to nineteenth-century defensive structures. While the study does not include in situ verification, it demonstrates the value of historical maps as predictive tools for guiding targeted underwater surveys and proposes a transferable, cost-effective framework for heritage prospection and management in historically active fluvial–estuarine settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Underwater Cultural Heritage: Policies in the Era of Blue Economy and Incorporation into Maritime Spatial Planning)

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11 pages, 2542 KB

Open AccessArticle

Detrital Glass Provides Evidence of Leaded-Bronze Refinement at Ancient Placer Tin Mining Sites in Serbia

by Mindy Argueta, Wayne Powell, Ilona Struzik, H. Arthur Bankoff, Alexandar Bulatović and Vojislav Filipović

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040131 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Archaeological evidence for prehistoric placer tin mining is rare due to the ephemeral nature of the workings and the associated tools in the dynamic setting of active river systems. Here, we report an additional line of evidence for metallurgical activities at stream tin [...] Read more.

Archaeological evidence for prehistoric placer tin mining is rare due to the ephemeral nature of the workings and the associated tools in the dynamic setting of active river systems. Here, we report an additional line of evidence for metallurgical activities at stream tin mining in Serbia at Mt. Cer and Bukulja. Rivers at these locations contain Pb-rich-glass grains, many of which are also enriched in Cu and Sn. Compositionally, the detrital grains of glass are similar to the vitreous infillings on a bleached ceramic sherd found at Spasovine, an archaeological site situated on the bank of the tin-rich Milinska River. The high-Pb-bearing (average 42 wt%) and Sn-bearing (average 0.7 wt%) composition of the glass, along with the inclusions of secondary cassiterite, indicate that the slag was derived from the refinement of leaded bronze (i.e., lead removal). Although the detrital glass slag grains lack direct archaeological context, broader archaeological observations limit their production to either the Roman or Medieval Periods. The presence of Pb-Cu-Sn metallurgical glass grains in a river at Bukulja provides the first concrete evidence of prehistoric tin mining at this locality, which demonstrates that sluicing for crushed glassy residues is a viable means to prospect for as yet undiscovered sites of ancient metallurgical activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)

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