Contextualising digital cultural heritage: Bininj GIS and 3D modelling for conservation at Ubirr rock art complex, Kakadu National Park, Australia

A groundbreaking digital approach to cultural heritage conservation at Ubirr rock art complex, Kakadu National Park, demonstrates how 3D modelling and Participatory GIS can amplify Traditional Owner voices while addressing complex management challenges. The study reveals that integrating Indigenous cultural values through photogrammetry and Unreal Engine 5 creates a culturally safe framework for heritage protection, balancing Aboriginal ownership, tourism, and conservation efforts. This methodology sets a precedent for Indigenous communities, cartographers, and practitioners to engage with digital mapping in ways that respect cultural protocols while preserving intangible and tangible heritage values.

Provost, S., Jones, T., Marshall, M., Wesley, D., Rangers, N., & Nayinggul, A. (2025). Contextualising digital cultural heritage: Bininj GIS and 3D modelling for conservation at Ubirr rock art complex, Kakadu National Park, Australia. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 31(11), 1440–1469. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2025.2543749