Documentation in World Heritage conservation

Digital technologies, when combined with active stakeholder participation, significantly enhance the documentation and conservation of World Heritage Sites (WHS). This study demonstrates that systematic documentation tools like MEGA-J, integrated with GIS platforms for risk assessment in Petra Archeological Park (PAP), Jordan, can effectively map vulnerabilities and buffer zones. Similarly, a Geospatial Content Management System (Geo-CMS) in the Silk Roads Cultural Heritage Information System (CHRIS) project facilitates holistic information management across diverse transnational sites. The findings highlight the potential of these approaches to improve heritage conservation by providing efficient data sharing, risk identification, and stakeholder collaboration, particularly for complex or high-risk WHS.

Vileikis, O., Cesaro, G., Santana Quintero, M., van Balen, K., Paolini, A., & Vafadari, A. (2012). Documentation in World Heritage conservation. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 2(2), 130–152. https://doi.org/10.1108/20441261211273635