Integrated methods for analysis of deterioration of cultural heritage: the Crypt of "Cattedrale di Otranto"

It is well known that atmospheric agents, pollution, and various stresses are the main causes of deterioration of artistic heritage. For many monuments, located in coastal sites, the action of sea aerosols is added to these ones, with a peculiar impact. Further damages, sometimes irreversible, are suffered by the materials because of the growth of many micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.), under particular physical-chemical and biological conditions. In this paper we propose a study of the problem of deterioration, covering different aspects and disciplines, with the aim to put in evidence parameters and information that can be carried out following different and complementary surveys. We outline non-destructive, different biological and physical (microclimatic and Ground Penetrating Radar) techniques to investigate these damages in the Crypt of the "Cattedrale di Otranto", situated in the south part of Italy. Geographical Information System (GIS) plays an important role in the complex task of managing such different type of data. Integrating the data about cultural asset in an urban environment in a GIS environment, we have the possibility to make more effective decisions regarding the safeguard of the heritage. (c) 2005 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.