Spatial Dynamics of Urbanization: Analyzing the Impact on Amathus Archaeological Landscape
Date Issued
September 5, 2024
Abstract
This study uses advanced spatial analysis and geoinformatics to evaluate how urbanization affects archaeological sites. The research focuses on Amathus in Cyprus. Using data cube, remote sensing, and GIS, the study examines environmental changes, particularly vegetation patterns, around the site. Techniques such as Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation uncover a moderate positive relationship between changes in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and urban development. The study also investigates the spatial connection between urban structures and the archaeological site within 100 and 300-meter buffer zones. Emphasizing the importance of geospatial technologies in assessing and managing cultural heritage risks, the research highlights their role in real-time monitoring and developing predictive models. This approach is crucial for comprehending and mitigating the effects of urban expansion on heritage sites, advocating for the integration of these methodologies in heritage management.
Funding
The authors acknowledge the ‘EXCELSIOR’: ERATOSTHENES: EΧcellence Research Centre for Earth Surveillance and Space-Based Monitoring of the Environment H2020 Widespread Teaming project (www.excelsior2020.eu). The ‘EXCELSIOR’ project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 857510, from the Government of the Republic of Cyprus through the Directorate General for the European Programmes, Coordination and Development and the Cyprus University of Technology.