Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XI
Written by Iulia DANA NEGULA, Cristian MOISE, Andi Mihai LAZĂR, Cristina Elena MIHALACHE, Florina DEDIU, Alexandru BADEA
The potential of Earth Observation (EO) data for cultural heritage documentation and systematic monitoring is currently widely recognized. Considering the large spectrum of threats and the high importance of safeguarding, cultural heritage requires sustained monitoring that can efficiently be done based on a combination of satellite images having adequate spatial, spectral and temporal resolution, in-situ data and a broad-spectrum of ancillary data such as historical maps, digital elevation models and local knowledge. The present study showcases the features of a pilot cultural heritage monitoring service that was developed for several Romanian representative sites such as the Castle of Hunedoara, the Palace of Magna Curia, the Medieval Ensemble of Deva Fortress, the Alba Carolina Citadel, the archaeological sites of Micia and Germisara, etc., but can be upscaled at national or regional level. The monitoring service is composed of a Results Platform (based on open-source GeoServer and OpenLayers) and a near-real time Monitoring Platform (cloud computing through Google Earth Engine). The products that are ingested in the first platform are obtained using an approach tailored for each property type. Examples include old cartographic maps, historical satellite images, remote sensing radiometric indices, Copernicus products, displacement maps and many others. The products that are continuously generated within the second platform enable the early identification and assessment of natural and anthropogenic risks, thus representing a key element for cultural heritage protection. The pilot monitoring service was developed considering the requirements of the cultural heritage authorities that are administrating the above-mentioned sites, representing a reliable source of unparalleled knowledge regarding the potential threats and degradation risks.
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