The uses of advanced technology in understanding, preservation and management of cultural heritage

The aim of the project was to study and take into use advanced technology and new methods as a basis for a knowledge-based management of cultural heritage. In addition it was an aim to obtain a better insight into methodological, practical and theoretical implications brought about by using non-destructive methods. This embraces a broad range from the historical dimension of landscapes, cultural environments, buildings and monuments and down to materials and surfaces. The project was divided into six work-packages (WP). Geophysical prospection was carried out at different case study areas in Vestfold as part of the first WP. The aim of this WP was to study how the use of new, non-destructive techniques and methods can be used as a means of increase knowledge about monuments and their landscape context. The geophysical data was processed, prepared and interpreted, a task which was partly carried out in cooperation with experts within this field. The results are now being published. In another WP airborne laser scanning (lidar) generated 3D models made the basis for landscape studies ? studies that proved the relation between the quality of the data and the level of detailed information about the digital landscapes one manages to gain. Further the study showed the opportunities the use of digital landscape analysis bring about in terms of implementing landscape changes occurred since the ice age. This is a precondition in order to achieve solid knowledge about the interaction between humans and landscape in prehistoric times. As a second phase in this WP a survey was carried out with the aim of mapping how visual studies are carried out within the cultural heritage management sector as part of their everyday practice. The results of the survey are now under publication. Remote sensing techniques and methods like lidar, high-resolution satellite images and aerial photos are increasingly used in order to meet challenges connected to the management of cultural heritage in subarctic areas. The applicability of such methods on diverse categories of cultural remains as well as different vegetation and landscape categories has also been studied. An area between Tana and Varangerfjorden in the very north of Norway constituted the study area with a certain focus on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the various remote sensing techniques and their usability in terms of mapping and monitoring cultural remains and cultural environments. The results are now under publication. The effort connected to the identification, examination, documentation and monitoring of historical buildings, ruins and their surfaces included the use pf mobile radiographic x-ray equipment. Data collected onsite was processed and compared with data collected in more controlled conditions at the laboratory. The conclusion was that radiography in some cases is a useable tool for mapping and monitoring the preservation state of wooden buildings. The results which are now published also showed that x-raying hidden building structures can be an important supplement to more conventional and destructive methods. The work with terrestrial laser scanning gave important experience as regards how this technique can be used as a tool for documentation of historical and archaeological buildings. Laser scanning, conventional documentation (measurements and drawings) as well as photogrammetry has been tested, assessed and compared. The analysis has resulted in a better understanding of the advantages and limitations of each technique in terms of accuracy and precision when documenting cultural historical information on buildings and ruins. These experiences are now under publication. Handheld XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) can be used when examining building interiors, e.g. to analyse pigments in wallpaper and coats of paint. XRF provides not only information about the elements in surface layer but the x-rays penetrate the material and also gives information about the elements in underlying coats of paint. The work with XRF in this project has first and foremost focused on this techniques advantages and limitations when used for examining coats of paint. The study has shown that it is possible to identify pigments with characteristic elements in each single layer. The results from each working package have been presented for professionals in various contexts on conferences and by publishing the results in national and international scientific journals. In addition our work and results has been communicated in a popular scientific manner through oral presentations and by conventional and social media. The work with disseminating results and experiences from the project continues, also after the closure of the project.

This project will explore and implement new possibilities for knowledge driven management of cultural heritage through use of advanced technology and methods. The objective is to gain insight into methodological, practical and theoretical implications the uses of non-destructive methods bring forward in relation to cultural heritage issues and to adapt and further develop a range of these methods with the purpose of improving research and management of cultural heritage. The project will increase competen ce in this field for the benefit of cultural heritage research and management. By using a wide range of non-destructive technological methods and tools, the project will adress important knowledge gaps that would improve heritage management on many level s, ranging from the historical dimension of landscapes, cultural environments, buildings and monuments to materials and surfaces. The project will continue and further develop the work on identifying structures above ground as well as the identification of sub-surface structures using satellite, lidar, aerial photos, geophysic prospection and hyper-spectral scanning. The multi-method approach will also include studies of land-use changes, public involvement and monitoring of landscapes and cultural envi ronments. To what extent an integrated use of advanced methods can create new knowledge in the point of intersection with recent theoretic landscape archaeology is an important issue to study in the project. Further, the use of advanced terrestrial laser scanning equipment for documenting and monitoring churches and ruins will be included. For conservation purposes the project will focus on mobile x-ray technology used on wooden buildings. The project is organised in two work packages and will study use s of high-technology in identification, documentation and understanding of cultural heritage as a basis for improved research on the understanding and management of landscapes, monuments, objects and surfaces.