World Heritage Research: Search

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Showing 14381 – 14400 of 15962 publications

Column-leaning Displacement of Korean Traditional Wooden Architecture : 3D Scanning Data of Columns of Sungryeoljeon in Namhansanseong

Namhansanseong — 2017 — WHE24ABF70E59

A study on Sungryeoljeon, a historic structure within Namhansanseongreveals distinct column-leaning patterns in Korean traditional wooden architecture. Using 3D scanning technology, researchers measured the displacement of 12 columns, finding they generally lean southward and rotate clockwise, though at varying rates depending on direction. This method offers precise, periodic data to track structural changes over time, providing insights into the behavior of such heritage structures. The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring to understand and preserve architectural characteristics that are already in motion.

Comparative Study of Inscription Process of Islands Property on UNESCO's World Heritage List: Focusing on 'The Southwestern Coast Tidal Flats' in Korea and 'The Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region' in Japan

Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region — 2017 — WHEFA6600B9B1

A comparative analysis of the UNESCO World Heritage inscription processes for 'The Southwestern Coast Tidal Flats' in Korea and 'The Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region' in Japan reveals two key differences: shared awareness among stakeholders in Japan, leading to systematic participation and governance, versus fragmented engagement in Korea. While Japan's site was inscribed in 2017, Korea's remains on a tentative list after seven years, highlighting the importance of cohesive local stakeholder involvement and policy network dynamics for successful heritage recognition.

Conservation and Restoration of Adobe Architectural Heritage of Bam Citadel (Iran), Affected by the 26 December 2003 Bam Earthquake: Problems and Issues

Tchogha Zanbil — 2017 — WHEC03EBD7308

A significant finding from this study is that Iran's adobe architectural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bam Citadel and Tchogha Zanbil, faces severe threats from seismic activity and urban development. The research highlights the vulnerability of these structures to earthquakes, as demonstrated by the devastating 2003 Bam earthquake, which caused extensive damage to one of the world's largest adobe complexes. The study critically assesses current conservation strategies in Iran, identifying deficiencies that exacerbate the risk of further deterioration. It proposes technical solutions and policy recommendations based on international best practices to safeguard these cultural treasures from future seismic events, aiming to preserve their social, historical, and economic value.

Coprophilous fungi from dung of the Greater One-Horned Rhino in Kaziranga National Park, India and its implication to paleoherbivory and paleoecology

Kaziranga National Park — 2017 — WHECE3D72090F

Researchers have identified coprophilous fungi, particularly Sporormiella, Saccobolus, Ascodesmis, Cercophora, and Sordaria, in the dung of the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) within Kaziranga National Park, India. This discovery marks the first documentation of these fungi in rhino dung across both forest and grassland habitats. The Sporormiella–Ascodesmis–Saccobolus assemblage is notably abundant, providing insights into the ecological relationships between rhinoceroses, flora, and other fauna. By analyzing fungal spore distribution, the study offers a novel approach to reconstructing past herbivory patterns (paleoherbivory) and ecosystem dynamics (paleoecology), with implications for understanding historical animal distributions in India and surrounding regions.

Creta Capta: Late Minoan II Knossos in Mycenaean History

Minoan Palatial Centres — 2017 — WHE6D542697DB

The Late Minoan II period (c. 1470–1420 BC) at Knossos marked a transformative phase in Aegean Bronze Age history, serving as the foundational experiment for Mycenaean palatial administration. This study reveals that Mycenaeans, upon gaining control of Knossos—previously an unmatched administrative center—adapted to ruling a complex palatial system, a novel experience for them. This period, often overshadowed by later Mycenaean dominance, provided the blueprint for mainland palaces that would shape Aegean politics for centuries. The research contextualizes the rise of Late Helladic III culture within this critical transition, emphasizing Knossos as a pivotal site in Mycenaean history rather than merely a Minoan legacy.

Cultivating Culture: Youth Food Movement in the Taos Pueblo Native American Community

Taos Pueblo — 2017 — WHE1A6D9C8D22

Local food systems at Taos Pueblo foster positive farming ideologies that reciprocally strengthen native identity and heritage preservation. A three-month ethnographic study involving 16 interviews and participant observation revealed how youth-led agricultural movements reinforce cultural pride, suggesting these systems could mitigate language loss and cultural erosion. The findings highlight a covert but significant link between food sovereignty and indigenous identity, offering potential strategies for community development and future quantitative research.

Cultural Spaces Research on Architecture and Identity

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2017 — WHEA032473E69

A multidisciplinary approach to architectural research, particularly for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, can effectively engage students and foster comprehensive understanding. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in architecture education, as demonstrated by a course module at TU Wien focusing on the Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra in Albania. This module encouraged students to develop their own research projects, integrating various disciplines to analyze architectural identity. The research approach taught in this module emphasizes holistic analysis, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, thereby enhancing students' interest and capability in conducting independent research.

David Knight (ed.), Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Research Framework. Matlock: The Derwent Valley Mills Partnership, 2016. 124 pp., illus. ISBN 978-0-9541940-7-9

Derwent Valley Mills — 2017 — WHE6BC021A6A5

The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Research Framework, edited by David Knight, provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the significance of this UNESCO-listed area. It identifies key research priorities that focus on the industrial heritage, technological innovation, and cultural landscape of the 18th- and 19th-century mills along the River Derwent in England. The framework integrates historical analysis with archaeological and environmental studies to uncover the site's role in the Industrial Revolution. By synthesizing existing knowledge and outlining future research directions, it aims to deepen the understanding of how these mills contributed to industrial development while preserving their legacy for future generations.

Decoding Göbekli Tepe With Archaeoastronomy: What Does The Fox Say?

Göbekli Tepe — 2017 — WHEB94D6FF63D

Archaeoastronomical analysis of Göbekli Tepe reveals that the 'Vulture Stone' may serve as a date stamp for 10950 BC ± 250 years, aligning closely with the proposed Younger Dryas event (10890 BC). The study matches low-relief carvings on pillars to star asterisms and meteor showers, suggesting Göbekli Tepe functioned as an observatory for tracking cometary encounters, particularly the Taurid meteor stream. This finding proposes a direct link between Göbekli Tepe and the Younger Dryas event, potentially supporting the theory of coherent catastrophism.

Demographic Change and Ethnic Survival Among the Sedentary Populations on the Jesuit Mission Frontiers of Spanish Latin America, 1609–1803: The Formation and Persistence of Mission Communities in a Comparative Context, by Robert H. Jackson

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos — 2017 — WHE951069EA6D

Despite widespread demographic decline and out-migration during the colonial period, Jesuit mission settlements in Spanish Latin America demonstrated remarkable resilience. A comparative study of the Guaraní missions (Paraguay/Río de la Plata) and Chiquitos missions (eastern Bolivia) reveals that these communities persisted through the 18th century, with descendants still inhabiting former mission sites today. The research traces demographic trajectories from the 17th to early 19th centuries, challenging narratives of mission settlements as either utopian refuges or oppressive institutions. By extending analysis beyond the 1767 suppression of the Jesuits, the study highlights long-term survival and cultural persistence in the face of colonial pressures.

Density of leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) in Horton Plains National Park in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2017 — WHE29B59E4CEF

Researchers have determined that the density of leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) in Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka, is approximately 11.7 adult individuals per 100 km², marking the first robust estimate for this species in Sri Lanka's montane zone. This finding provides critical baseline data for managing the endangered, endemic Sri Lankan leopard population. The study employed remote cameras within a spatially explicit capture-recapture framework to estimate leopard density and distance sampling to assess prey availability. Notably, sambar density was found to be 178 individuals per km² in central grasslands, highlighting these areas as key resources for both sambar and leopards.

Description of Afrogyrodactylus ardae sp. n. (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae) from Rhabdalestes septentrionalis (Characiformes: Alestidae) in the Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2017 — WHE081EB3A712

A new monogenean species, Afrogyrodactylus ardae, has been discovered from the African tetra, Rhabdalestes septentrionalis, in the Niokolo-Koba National Park and Gambie River, Senegal. This finding represents a novel host record for the genus Afrogyrodactylus and distinguishes itself from three known species through its smaller opisthaptoral hard parts and unique sickle-shaped marginal hooks. The study, conducted during 2008, provides critical insights into the diversity of monogeneans in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, contributing to our understanding of parasitic relationships in aquatic ecosystems.

Designing Mobile Application To Motivate Young People To Visit Cultural Heritage Sites

Shrines and Temples of Nikko — 2017 — WHE012FBCA222

A mobile application leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons effectively engages young people in exploring the cultural heritage of Nikko, Japan. By combining real-time information—such as historical context, maps, and local services—with interactive quizzes, the app capitalizes on psychological principles like the Zeigarnik effect to enhance learning. Trials demonstrated positive reception for basic features and improved cultural understanding among young users who utilized quiz functions. The application also facilitates community integration by providing notifications about local businesses and transportation, fostering a sense of living heritage. This innovative approach addresses challenges in traditional signage while offering scalable solutions for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Detecting Landscape Disturbance at the Nasca Lines Using SAR Data Collected from Airborne and Satellite Platforms

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2017 — WHEE660C5E114

A groundbreaking study leverages synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from both airborne and satellite platforms to detect and measure landscape disturbances threatening the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nasca and Palpa, home to the iconic Nasca Lines. The research demonstrates that even pedestrian-scale disturbances are discernible using L-band SAR correlation images, while C-band SAR data from ESA’s Sentinel-1 satellites offers high-resolution insights into landscape changes with a repeat pass interval as short as six days. This allows for precise identification of disturbance time windows (1–3 weeks) without compromising spatial coverage. The study also introduces pixel value stretching techniques and statistical methods to quantify and validate landscape changes, providing a robust framework for monitoring archaeological sites and ecosystems under threat.

Determining the Economic Value of Historical Monuments of Bisotun Using the Method of Individuals’ Willingness to Pay (WTP)

Bisotun — 2017 — WHE453915FD19

A significant economic value, exceeding $1.2 million annually, has been attributed to the historical monuments of Bisotun based on individuals' willingness to pay (WTP). This study employs a contingent valuation method to quantify the non-market benefits derived from preserving and maintaining these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By analyzing respondents' stated preferences through surveys, researchers provide empirical evidence supporting the substantial economic importance of cultural heritage conservation efforts at Bisotun.

Difusión del Arte Rupestre a Través de Aplicaciones Móviles de Realidad Aumentada: Un Enfoque Práctico

Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula — 2017 — WHEBD4EF0EA92

Augmented Reality (AR) applications offer a promising solution for the dissemination and conservation of rock art, as demonstrated by their successful implementation at the Cova dels Cavalls site. This study presents two innovative AR approaches: one using marker recognition to display virtual content, and another that overlays information directly onto recognized real paintings. These techniques enhance visitor engagement while promoting non-invasive conservation by eliminating direct contact with the fragile surfaces. The research evaluates the effectiveness of these methods, providing a methodology for their development and application in cultural heritage contexts.

Digitizing Dunhuang Cultural Heritage: A User Evaluation of Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library

Mogao Caves — 2017 — WHE307FFB0701

A user evaluation of the Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library (DL) reveals that while it effectively supports simple information-seeking tasks, its performance declines with more complex queries. The study, one of the first to assess cultural heritage digital libraries from a user experience perspective, identifies specific usability issues through statistical analysis and qualitative interviews. It proposes improvements for better user engagement and serves as a methodological reference for evaluating visually centered digital heritage resources.

Documentación 3D de la Cova dels Cavalls y de su Entorno (Tírig, Castellón)

Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula — 2017 — WHE105446B714

A groundbreaking geomatics workflow successfully documented the complex rock art of Cova dels Cavalls, part of the UNESCO-listed Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula. This 3D digital representation method offers a reliable way to preserve and transmit archaeological heritage to future generations. The study meticulously captured the site's intricate details through various stages, from data acquisition to producing photorealistic models. These high-precision models provide unprecedented insights into the rock art, ensuring its conservation and accessibility for both academic research and public engagement.

Documentation for Preservation: Methodology and a GIS Database of Three World Heritage Cities in Uzbekistan

Itchan Kala — 2017 — WHE413594FB78

A collaborative effort spanning from 2008 to 2015 has successfully established a methodology and GIS database for documenting the historic buildings and dwellings within three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan: Bukhara, Itchan Kala, and Samarkand. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan and UNESCO, addresses critical gaps in heritage documentation and systematic monitoring, which have been threatening these sites. The research consolidates a robust framework for understanding the outstanding heritage values of these cities, enabling the development of effective preservation and management strategies. By integrating traditional historic houses—often lacking legal protection—into digital databases, this work preserves not only physical structures but also the cultural history, urban fabric, and traditions spanning centuries.

Dolomitic Plasters in Indian Monuments and its Characterization

Group of Monuments at Hampi — 2017 — WHEA4DB1490E0

Research reveals that dolomitic lime, rather than the more common Carboniferous limestone, was used in plasterworks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Alampur (6-7th AD) and Lotus Mahal, Hampi (1336-1570 AD). This finding indicates a higher risk of damage due to wetting and necessitates specialized conservation efforts. The study analyzed mineralogical and chemical compositions, showing that hydraulic components were added to enhance durability in Alampur's plasters. Additionally, variations in the ratio of binder to inert materials suggest differing provenances for Hampi's plasterworks, complicating provenance studies. These insights provide critical data for technological evaluation and guide conservators in re-plastering efforts.