Space observations provide insight into the sustainability of world heritage sites along the Silk Road

A research team led by Professor Chen Fulong of the Institute of Aerospace Information (AIR), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is monitoring the route network of the Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, using satellite images and deep imaging. learning techniques.

They published their findings in the International Journal of Digital Earth on September 13, highlighting the need for close monitoring as these places face increasing threats from both urban development and natural disasters. He emphasized that it is increasing.

In 2014, the Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor, the historic Silk Road artery that facilitated trade between China and the West, was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as the first section of the Silk Road.

Spanning approximately 5,000 kilometers between China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, this transnational trade route was actively used from the 2nd century BC to the 16th century, connecting cities, peoples, and cultures throughout Central Asia.

Chen and his team deployed dynamic monitoring and risk assessment techniques to identify potential threats to these heritage sites. High-resolution satellite data was used to analyze land use changes and detect human interference within protected areas.

This study employed object-based deep learning methods to identify cases of change and intervention, and provided an in-depth analysis of how urbanization impacts heritage conservation.

In addition to land-use analysis, the team investigated night-time light changes to assess the socio-economic development of the areas where these heritage sites are located. This data was cross-referenced with research findings on human interference to better understand the relationship between urban development and cultural heritage protection.

The researchers also extracted environmental and climate variables to assess flood risk and developed a comprehensive risk assessment model.

Most heritage sites along the Silk Road are well preserved, but construction land around them has increased significantly, making balancing heritage protection and economic development a challenge, the study found.

Analysis of space observation data shows that 24% of heritage sites along the Silk Road are at high risk, with central China and Kazakhstan’s Zhetis region particularly vulnerable due to factors such as rainfall and low-lying areas. These risks will be exacerbated by climate change.

“We demonstrate how space observation can be a powerful tool in protecting our common cultural heritage,” said Tan Yunwei, lead author of the study.

By combining advanced satellite imagery and deep learning, researchers aim to support the sustainable management and protection of these irreplaceable sites, in concert with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It can provide valuable data to support, Tan said.

Furthermore, this study identified heritage park development and urban expansion as the main drivers of land use change, reflecting the dynamic stages in the development and utilization of the Silk Road cultural landscape.

This study highlights the need for constant vigilance and innovative approaches in heritage conservation. Integrating space observation and cultural heritage management will not only provide a solid scientific basis for Silk Road preservation, but also promote the cooperative efforts of China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan in heritage protection.