Geomatics techniques with a multi-scale approach

Abstract

The preservation of cultural heritage is increasingly influenced by global challenges such as climate change, urban development, and digital transformation. In this evolving context, geomatics plays a strategic role by providing multi-source and multi-scale spatial data that support documentation, monitoring, and sustainable management of heritage assets.

This proposed special session aims to gather researchers and professionals exploring multi-scale geomatic approaches for cultural heritage analysis, emphasizing both methodological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), terrestrial and UAV-based photogrammetry, and satellite remote sensing, geomatics techniques allow the construction of detailed and interoperable datasets that link architectural features with territorial contexts.

When integrated within Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and 3D modeling environments, these datasets support advanced analyses of geometry, material degradation, and spatial relationships across different levels of detail. The session will highlight how combining data from different spatial resolutions enhances knowledge production, risk assessment, and conservation decision-making, while encouraging synergies between geomatics, archaeology, architecture, and environmental sciences.

The discussion will also address open challenges such as data standardization, long-term preservation, and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in multi-scale analysis. By promoting an interdisciplinary dialogue, this session seeks to position geomatics as a central pillar in the documentation and digital transition of cultural heritage. It aims to stimulate contributions that illustrate how a multi-scale perspective brings technological innovation and cultural value as well as collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and institutions within a shared framework for sustainable heritage management.