Digital Documentation for Enhancement and Conservation of Minor or Inaccessible Heritage Sites

Abstract

This contribution aims to explore some aspects of current research avenues in the field of digital documentation of cultural heritage, starting with two topical challenges: on the one hand, the heritage at risk, due to the lack of conservation or development strategies affecting small historic centres or barely accessible heritage sites, and, on the other hand, the impact that digital technologies can have in this direction in terms of knowledge and accessibility improvement. Compared to the overcrowding that has often affected tourist attractions in major art cities, many small historic centres offer huge potential for alternative sustainable tourism, thanks to their cultural heritage, history, arts and traditions. The impact of COVID-19 increased this challenge, also enhancing digital applications as a tool towards new inclusive and sustainable way for knowledge-sharing, interdisciplinary collaborations and possible diversification of tourist flows. But there is still plenty of room in the use of digital tools as a support for conservation actions and as a means for knowledge, dissemination, enhancement and accessibility. The research analyses possible applications of digital documentation starting with two emblematic case studies, opening up the analysis to international approaches and scenarios.