Utilizing 3D GIS For Sustainable management of UNESCO Archaeological Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia

Mohamed Salah Ezz ^1,2* Ashraf M Soliman ^3,4 Mohammed Aldelgawy ⁵ Doaa A.H Salem ⁶ Ragab Khalil ^7,8

• ¹ Architectural Department, College of Engineering and Information Technology Onaizah Colleges, Qassim, Saudi Arabia, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
• ² Department of Architecture, The Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology, Obour City - K21 Cairo/Bilbies Rd, Egypt., Cairo, Beni Suef, Egypt
• ³ Department of Architectural Engineering College of Engineering & Design Kingdom University, P.O. Box 40434, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain
• ⁴ Faculty of Engineering Minia University, Minia, Egypt, Minia, Egypt
• ⁵ Civil Engineering Department Faculty of Engineering, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt, Fayoum, Egypt
• ⁶ College of Architecture Engineering and Digital Design, Interior Design Dept Dar Al Uloom University, P. O. Box 3535, Riyadh 13314 - 7222, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• ⁷ Civil Engineering Department Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt, Assuit, Egypt
• ⁸ Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Information Technology Onaizah Colleges, Qassim, 56447, Saudi Arabia, Qassim, Saudi Arabia

GIS demonstrates exceptional capability in analyzing vast geographical information which helps enhance heritage asset management. GIS spatial analysis tools give users the capability to document sites while producing visual representations for heritage protection operations. A project develops specific 3D GIS information platform to secure Al-Ahsa heritage buildings as a UNESCO World Heritage Site through advanced mapping technology which supports protection and sharing initiatives.The created 3D GIS system designed a structured database which accessioned spatial and non-spatial heritage records across general, historical, urban, architectural and structural categories for Al-Ahsa management. Research data were obtained through , historical records indexing, and direct stakeholder dialogues. The 3D modeling technology together with GIS and semantic frameworks forms a complete analytical system for heritage site research. The system enables users to remotely access and analyze data through its web-mapping platform which supports collaborative decision-making. The established system produced complete documentation of Al-Ahsa heritage sites by delivering high-quality 3D models together with essential spatial data required for conservation purposes. GIS technology features helped create clear visualizations of urban planning and architectural features which improved understanding of cultural and historical site worth. The platform enables risk assessment through its resource management system by providing precise building structural data. The research proves 3D GIS can be an effective heritage management tool since it unites different data domains on one platform to achieve comprehensive preservation. This method shows scalability potential for various heritage sites with prospects to use it as a foundation for heritage protection initiatives.