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Image Credit: Henryk Bielamowicz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mobile GIS Offers New Path for Protecting Local Heritage Sites
A new study highlights the potential of mobile GIS tools in improving the management and protection of cultural heritage sites, especially those of regional and local importance. The research focuses on a major challenge in heritage conservation: many smaller historic sites are vulnerable to tourism pressure, climate-related risks, natural disasters, and human activity, yet they often lack regular monitoring systems.
The study tested a mobile GIS-based system using ArcGIS Survey123 in three health tourism destinations in Poland: Krynica-Zdrój, Szczawnica, and Uniejów. These locations were selected because they combine cultural heritage value with tourism activity and development pressure. Field teams used mobile devices to collect structured information about historic buildings, including location, current condition, conservation needs, threats, access, function, and photographic documentation.
The results showed that mobile GIS can support heritage institutions in several practical ways. It allows field data to be collected quickly, linked to geographic locations, synchronized online, and used to create maps, reports, and risk assessments. The system was also useful for identifying priority areas where historic buildings require closer monitoring or conservation action.
One important outcome of the study is a proposed sustainable heritage management cycle. This cycle begins with regular monitoring, followed by risk assessment, prioritization, intervention, re-inspection, and long-term trend analysis. The model is designed to help heritage managers move from a reactive approach to a preventive and systematic method of conservation.
The study also notes some limitations. These include licensing and maintenance costs, the need to verify submitted information, staff training requirements, and dependence on GPS accuracy and internet availability. However, the research suggests that mobile GIS can still provide a practical and repeatable tool for documenting and managing heritage sites, particularly where resources are limited.
Overall, the research points to the growing importance of digital tools in heritage protection. By combining field documentation, spatial analysis, and community participation, mobile GIS can help cultural heritage institutions monitor historic sites more effectively and support sustainable conservation planning.
Published on: 23-05-2026
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
Source: npj Heritage Science
