MAPPING THE DIGITAL FRONTIER: A BIBLIOMETRIC EXPLORATION OF HERITAGE PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Academic interest in digital documentation for heritage preservation has intensified due to changes in conservation methods through technological progress. The analysis investigates both the research patterns alongside important contributors and essential subject areas and networking collaborations between scholars. Analysis of peer-reviewed literatures from 2015 to 2025 was conducted through VOSviewer to produce co-citation, co-occurrence and collaboration networks from Scopus database publications. Research productivity continues to increase steadily based on findings which show European universities from Italy Spain and Greece as the prominent contributors. Research areas around 3D scanning and photogrammetry must be considered together with GIS and HBIM while including upcoming immersive technology fields of XR and AI. There remain ongoing challenges within both intangible heritage documentation procedures and the inclusion of outside entities in European research networks. This research extends beyond established topics to investigate how ethical AI management should proceed as well as how to transition future areas of cultural heritage research into VR and AR technology and increase participation across underdeveloped areas. The research provides essential knowledge for experts in digital heritage research as well as policy creators and practice professionals who aim to understand the developing heritage preservation approaches.