The digitalization of archaeological heritage was discussed at the REBUS International forum

On August 18, 2025, the Kazan Kremlin Museum-Reserve hosted a session entitled “Digitalization of Heritage: Underground Utilities, Archaeological Research, Conservation” as part of the International Forum “Rebus 2025”. The event was organized by the Institute of Archaeology named after A.Kh. Khalikov of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences. The session convened 150 leading specialists, with participants from the host institute, the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow), ASC-NORD LLC, and other research institutes, state heritage preservation bodies, and commercial enterprises.

Expert discussions covered a broad spectrum of current issues, with a special focus on advanced techniques for documenting complex archaeological sites—including ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scanning, LiDAR, and photogrammetry. The agenda also featured in-depth analysis of methodologies for creating digital twins to conserve deteriorating monuments, best practices for implementing BIM technologies in restoration projects, and systemic strategies for integrating archaeological data into urban geographic information systems (GIS).

This forum provided a valuable opportunity for professionals to exchange insights and expertise in the digital recording and preservation of archaeological heritage. The dialogue represents a significant step forward in addressing the sector’s evolving technological challenges and opportunities.