Monitoring the Impact of Urban Development on Archaeological Heritage Using UAV Mapping: A Framework for Preservation and Urban Growth Management

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? UAV photogrammetry enabled detailed mapping and 3D modelling of the Didy-moteicho Fortress within a complex urban environment. The method successfully identified vulnerabilities and urban development pressures on the archaeological site. What is the implication of the main finding? UAV-based surveys provide a practical, accurate, and non-invasive approach for monitoring and documenting heritage sites in cities. The approach can support policy-making and enhance conservation planning in historic urban areas. Urbanization poses growing threats to archaeological heritage sites embedded within cities, necessitating innovative monitoring and documentation strategies. This study investigates the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry for mapping and 3D modelling of urban archaeological landscapes, focusing on the Byzantine-era Didymoteicho Fortress in northern Greece. High-resolution aerial imagery was captured and processed into an orthophoto mosaic and a detailed 3D model of the site’s monuments and their urban surroundings. The UAV-based survey provided comprehensive, up-to-date spatial data that traditional ground methods could not easily achieve in dense urban settings. The results illustrate how UAV mapping can document complex heritage structures, detect risks (such as structural deterioration or encroachment by development), and inform preservation efforts. The discussion situates these findings within global heritage management practices, highlighting UAV technology as a cost-effective, accurate, and non-invasive tool for safeguarding cultural heritage in urban areas. The suggested methodology enhances heritage documentation and risk assessment, demonstrating strong potential for policy integration and proactive conservation planning in historic cities.