Integrating Geochemical Assessment and Social-Media Analytics to Evaluate Heritage Stone Decay at Lahore Fort: Evidence from Instagram Data

Abstract

Sites of cultural heritage, such as Lahore Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage site), are under increasing danger from environmental and human caused factors resulting stone structures deterioration. This study on the deteriorating stone of Lahore Fort is complex—integrating a geochemical analysis and social media data mining approach to environmental degradation incidents caused by tourism in relation to cultural heritage preservation. The Continues below Exploring the fort: The study uses state-of-the-art geochemical tests to study the disintegration of stone surfaces at the fort, and harnesses data from Instagram to measure how often tourists visit the structure. By using machine learning, we learn useful information from Instagram images to help relate human activities with stone deterioration. The effects of tourist traffic on various types of stone damages are exacerbated by certain aspects, and coupled with those environmental factors, make it increasingly difficult for the conservation. The work presented here is part of a larger movement toward the growth and expansion of partnerships that combine scientific analysis with digital humanities for improved heritage management. The results offer policy makers important insights on how to better manage heritage sites under pressure from flooding and tourism in the context of climate change.

Keywords: Heritage preservation, stone decay, Lahore Fort, geochemical assay, Instagram data mining, tourism impact, machine learning