Monitoring cultural heritage sites at risk using citizen engagement through crowdsourcing

The international archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences/International archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences2025Vol. XLVIII-G-2025, pp. 1435–1440

Kyriacos Themistocleous, Valentinos Evripidou, Kyriakos Toumbas

Abstract

Abstract. One of the most significant consequences of climate change is the threat to cultural heritage sites. The TRIQUETRA project addresses the critical challenge posed by climate change to cultural heritage sites by applying a comprehensive risk assessment framework. This framework integrates traditional and advanced technologies, including remote sensing and laser-based spectroscopy, to quantify the severity of risks, monitor their progression, and inform effective mitigation strategies. Understanding the potential risks at site level is vital to ensure that appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures are put in place. Recent research underscores the compounded impacts of climate-induced geo-hazards, such as landslides and earthquakes, which threaten the physical integrity of monuments and the socio-economic systems they support. Citizen engagement is also an integral part of the TRIQUETRA project, creating a dynamic web and mobile platform where visitors actively participate in cultural heritage (CH) site monitoring. The TRIQUETRA application enables citizens and cultural heritage site visitors to play a vital role in capturing and uploading site photos, contributing therefore, valuable datasets that complement and enhance the existing 3D models. This process is aided by a backend system that can aid cultural site authorities to better monitor the site by having up to date imagery and reports from visitors. At the same time the TRIQUETRA Citizen Engagement Application creates an interactive and enhanced experience for cultural heritage site visitors through immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experiences. The application provides additional information through an AR experience where user can learn more about critical features at risk, such as areas affected by climate change or structural vulnerabilities, fostering awareness and promoting preservation efforts. The methodology was applied to the Choirokoitia site in Cyprus, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is one of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in the Mediterranean. The Choirokoitia site will examine the potential risk of rockfall, as the topology of the site is vulnerable to movements as a result of extreme climate change as well as of daily/seasonal stressing actions. By integrating advanced technologies and community-driven monitoring, TRIQUETRA ensures a holistic approach to safeguarding cultural heritage. The project creates a replicable framework that enhances risk assessment and promotes active participation in preservation efforts, offering scalable benefits for cultural heritage sites worldwide.

Abstract

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