Showing papers on "Cultural heritage published in 2024"

Restitution of Collections: An Appraisal of What the Restitution and Repatriation of Movable Heritage Mean in Our World Today

Abstract: The theme of restitution and repatriation of collections is currently a very urgent topic in the world of heritage management. A great change has occurred in the museum world and in the social perception with regard to the appropriate home and ownership of cultural heritage. It is a dramatic change from the 20th century, when we all lived mesmerized by the wealth and breadth of the collections in large museums of Northern, former colonial countries, to the 21st century, when communities and countries are arguing that they wish to reclaim their heritage, often exiled by forceful means and by illegal trafficking.

Research, Application, and Innovation of LiDAR Technology in Spatial Archeology

Abstract: Two universities, the University of Jaén, Spain and the University of San Carlos, Guatemala, in partnership with Quantum Systems GmbH, a German company, conducted an expedition to the Maya Tropical Forest in the Yaxhà-Nakum-Naranjo National Park of El Petén (El Triangulo Cultural), Guatemala, using LiDAR technology. The article takes its cue from the description of this case study and focuses on the application of LiDAR technology to fixed-wing VTOL drones beyond the pilot's line of sight. The context presents significant challenges due to the impenetrability and vegetation of the forest, which protects Maya archaeology but is also a major degradation factor. The authors analyzed the benefits and challenges of using LiDAR for spatial archaeology and concerning the new frontiers of digitization.