Springer Proceedings in Archaeology and Heritage – serie

This open access book compiles the contributions of the conference Collection Care: New Challenges in Environmental Monitoring, Risk Assessment and Risk Management. The conference held within the framework of the EU’s Horizon2020 CollectionCare project (grant no. 814624), was a forum where the latest technological advances in the study of the behavior and aging of cultural heritage materials, environmental monitoring, and the design of preventive conservation strategies in collections were presented.This volume is of interest to heritage researchers and is divided into two sections: the first brings together thirteeen papers that focus on the monitoring, analysis, data interpretation and modelling of the effects of different degradation agents (temperature, relative humidity, pollutants, light, vibration, etc.) in materials present in cultural heritage objects. The second part of the book presents eight case studies dealing with risk assessment and risk management in different types of collections with diverse needs, priorities, and resources, thus illustrating the complexity of implementing all the current knowledge on sensing, monitoring, predictive analysis and preventive conservation in the design of conservation strategies. The case studies presented also demonstrate how these tools have contributed to maximise dialogue and coordination between the different stakeholders involved in the conservation of cultural heritage.

The CAA-GR 2024 Conference Proceedings capture the spirit and substance of the fifth national meeting on computer applications in archaeology and cultural heritage, held in Serres, Greece. Organized by the Athena Research Center and the International Hellenic University, the conference brought together a vibrant community of researchers, professionals, and practitioners exploring how digital technologies are reshaping our relationship and interaction with the past.Under the theme “Transforming Heritage Research in a Transforming World,” the volume reflects the urgent need for new approaches to the study and preservation of cultural heritage in the face of rapid technological advances, environmental challenges, and societal shifts. The chapters span a wide range of topics—from geophysical methods and risk management to 3D scanning, immersive visualization, digital tourism, and museum accessibility—highlighting the interdisciplinary and forward-thinking spirit that defines the field today. Rich with innovative ideas, practical solutions, and theoretical reflections, this volume offers a compelling look at how computational tools are redefining the boundaries of archaeology and heritage studies. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in the digital transformation of the cultural sector and the future of heritage research.

This conference proceedings, Opportunities for Heritage: Fostering Innovation, Conservation and Sustainability, is the outcome of the first international conference with the same title. The challenges in the pursuit of heritage protection and sustainable development are closely intertwined with the intricate relationship between social and economic environments, often clashing with the need to preserve heritage. It became apparent that further discussions are needed to address the pressing issues facing World Heritage around the world. This book documents the discourse on the interlinkages of heritage and sustainable development by bringing together researchers, practitioners and stakeholders from the fields of heritage at multiple levels to explore the opportunities heritage offers in implementing the UN agenda 2030, and the innovative solutions created to efficiently manage it. It highlights experiences in management including tourism management, the interlinkage between tangible and intangible heritage, living heritage, heritage digitalization and the economic opportunities provided by heritage.The work also addresses the questions of how to meet the needs and aspirations of the communities central to the sustainable management of heritage and their development aspirations. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of heritage for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and for building peace and creating resilient communities, aiming to be a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field of heritage.