CONNECTING: Research and Innovation Knowledge Centre for Engineering in Heritage

Department of Civil Engineering and Geoinformatics of Cyprus University of Technology (Research Infrastructures – Research and Innovation Foundation, €759,680).

Description:

The “Research and Innovation Knowledge Centre for Engineering in Heritage” proposal, in short CONNECTING, is built around the vision of the “Strategic Infrastructures” research call towards the creation of a knowledge centre equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and platforms, like vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones, RGB, multi- and hyperspectral cameras, LiDAR systems, terrestrial laser scanner, soil moisture, ultrasonic, inclinometers, and wireless strain sensors as well as multibeam echosounder, that can promote research excellence about the detection, monitoring, documentation, and analysis of cultural heritage sites and monuments, both in land and underwater. Also, the project aims to provide evidence for using and re-using its equipment, results, and products through the design and development of a dedicated cloud Data Centre. The knowledge center’s vision is to become a reference research node for all partners and supporters, bringing together geomatics, civil engineers, ICT experts, and archaeologists. This multidisciplinary approach is essential to group the necessary expertise and people to select the most appropriate methods, techniques, and tools for supporting heritage management and preservation, interpret the outcomes from state-of-the-art equipment, and provide solutions for cultural heritage management and monitoring. CONNECTING thematic priority is closely linked with Cyprus’ Smart Specialization Strategy (S3Cy). The S3Cy was designed to pave the way for future sustainable development of the country, capitalizing on its unique characteristics and research ecosystem. S3Cy’s final report puts cultural heritage at the heart of the country’s future development as a horizontal pillar, where other disciplines, such as tourism – the significant economic revenue stream of Cyprus – and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can interact.

Research Coordinator: Ass. Prof. Athos. Agapiou (Cyprus University of Technology).