Project title
Research and Innovation Knowledge Centre for Engineering in Heritage (CONNECTING)
Funding Program
SMALL SCALE INFRASTRUCTURES/1222/0062
RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES / SMALL SCALE INFRA-STRUCTURES
Award URL
https://connecting-infra.eu/
Funding code
SMALL SCALE INFRASTRUCTURES/1222/0062
Start date
December 1, 2023
Expected Completion
2026-05-31
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 centre'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 the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Cyprus (S3Cy). The S3Cy was designed to pave the way for future sustainable development of the country, capitalising 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.