Cultural and historical heritage protection: ICT and AR applications in Greece

Safeguarding and protecting Europe’s cultural heritage from the effects of climate change, natural hazards, and environmental pollution in a holistic manner, providing complementary tools for strategic policy making, as well as promoting culture through innovative technologies are some of the necessary research directions on the roadmap to sustainability and environmental goals. This approach is showcased by EU and national funded projects THETIDA and APSIM, with relevant pilot applications in Europe but also within Greece.

Technologies and methods for improved resilience and sustainable preservation of underwater and coastal cultural heritage, using multiple heritage risk assessment and protection system with evidence-based monitoring frameworks, innovative tools and instruments and through participatory processes (Citizens’ Science and Living Labs), are the main focus of the EU funded THETIDA. While at APSIM project being implemented within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0 with funding from the European Union – Next Generation EU, using an Augmented Reality (AR) application, visitors of archaeological sites and museums are having the opportunity to enjoy a completely different tour-experience in the archaeological sites, resembling one of a video gaming thus assisting both the general public and the new generations to get familiar and love the archaeological wealth of Greece.