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AI for coastal heritage: responsible detection and monitoring using artificial intelligence

AI for coastal heritage: responsible detection and monitoring using artificial intelligence
AI for coastal heritage: responsible detection and monitoring using artificial intelligence
In recent years, the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into coastal and underwater heritage research has significantly advanced how archaeologists identify, document, and monitor cultural sites at risk from environmental and human-induced pressures. Through three case studies, detection of crannogs, detection of offshore platforms and the detection of shipwrecks this paper investigates how AI tools in combination of open access remote sensing images can support the detection and analysis of submerged and coastal archaeological features, emphasizing the potential of these technologies to operate at scale across diverse marine environments. In addition to highlighting practical applications, this study also reflects on broader ethical and methodological questions, including the transparency of AI models, data ownership, and the importance of building equitable and culturally sensitive digital practices. Key challenges such as algorithmic bias, interpretability of results, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration are discussed to ensure responsible and inclusive use of AI in archaeological research.
UNESCO Cairo
Karamitrou, Alexandra
25acd266-3030-4958-b5c5-72d4c6b74caf
Karamitrou, Alexandra
25acd266-3030-4958-b5c5-72d4c6b74caf

Karamitrou, Alexandra (2025) AI for coastal heritage: responsible detection and monitoring using artificial intelligence. In Artificial Intelligence and Culture: A Contribution from UNESCO Office in Cairo to MONDIACULT 2025. UNESCO Cairo..

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

In recent years, the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into coastal and underwater heritage research has significantly advanced how archaeologists identify, document, and monitor cultural sites at risk from environmental and human-induced pressures. Through three case studies, detection of crannogs, detection of offshore platforms and the detection of shipwrecks this paper investigates how AI tools in combination of open access remote sensing images can support the detection and analysis of submerged and coastal archaeological features, emphasizing the potential of these technologies to operate at scale across diverse marine environments. In addition to highlighting practical applications, this study also reflects on broader ethical and methodological questions, including the transparency of AI models, data ownership, and the importance of building equitable and culturally sensitive digital practices. Key challenges such as algorithmic bias, interpretability of results, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration are discussed to ensure responsible and inclusive use of AI in archaeological research.

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More information

Published date: 1 October 2025

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 510069
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/510069
PURE UUID: 09b74616-d269-4409-b605-6fc8c27bba84
ORCID for Alexandra Karamitrou: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-4142-1958

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Date deposited: 17 Mar 2026 17:31
Last modified: 18 Mar 2026 03:00

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Contributors

Author: Alexandra Karamitrou ORCID iD

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