Monitoring air pollution in the vicinity of cultural heritage sites in Cyprus using remote sensing techniques

Abstract

Cultural Heritage Sites are in danger of being destroyed due to several factors, such as earthquakes, uncontrolled urbanization and air pollution. The latest, whether it is from industrial, transport or domestic sources, can cause significant degradation and corrosion of cultural monuments. The use of satellite images for monitoring air pollution in different areas has received considerable attention and several related techniques have already been developed. In this study, such techniques are extended to examine air pollution monitoring in areas located in the vicinity of cultural heritage sites in Cyprus. Sun-photometers and Lidar have been used to support the results. The authors incorporate also 3D documentation using a laser scanner for monitoring changes over time. The available technologies and methodologies for digital recording of heritage sites and objects are really promising and the whole heritage community is trying to adopt these approaches for quick, effective, detailed and straightforward 3D reproduction