The archaeological heritage in its relationship with urban landscape and natural environment
Analyzing the legislative framework on the protection and management of the archeological heritage, at
the national and international level, this contribution underlines the strong connection of archaeological
remains with the surrounding environment.
This analysis evidences the complexity of managing the multiple aspects of archaeological sites, stressing the
potentialities of integrating geographic and spatial information systems to orient informed conservation
actions as well as effective and efficient management policies of both tangible and intangible aspects.
Presenting the case study of Bagan, Myanmar, a representative site for its complex relationship among
archeological remains, urban settings and cultural landscape, the potentialities of Geographic Information
System (GIS) and Building Information Model (BIM) for a comprehensive documentation and
management of an archeological site is illustrated.
The opportunities of an integrated use of GIS and BIM systems allowed by a software application, such
as InfraWorks or Feature Manipulation Engine, is stressed focusing on documentation, visualization and
management issues.
On a final note, the contribution underlines the importance of training actions for specialists and the
general public, relevant to justify the investments in digital workflows and platforms on a long term
perspective.
