Geng, Shiran ORCID: 0000-0001-6992-1420, Chau, Hing-Wah ORCID: 0000-0002-3501-9882, Jamei, Elmira ORCID: 0000-0002-4270-0326 and Vrcelj, Zora ORCID: 0000-0002-1403-7416 (2025) Exploring the Use of Open Access Data in Smart Heritage – Using Chinatown Melbourne as a Case Study. In: International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024), 7 Nov 2024 - 9 Nov 2024, Auckland, New Zealand.

Abstract

In the context of Smart Cities, Smart Heritage emerges as a derivative topic, integrating smart strategies into heritage sites. However, discerning between digital and smart implementations remains challenging. To distinguish between the two, the autonomous nature of smartness and the ability to respond to data are vital. Limited research has addressed this in the context of heritage studies. Hence, this study aims to explore the utilisation of current open-access data provided by the Victorian Government to facilitate Smart Heritage initiatives. Currently, open-access data made available by the City Council of Melbourne include on-street parking, pedestrian counting, micro-climate, pedestrian network, dwelling functionalities, and laneways with greening potentials. Additionally, the study can provide ways in which open-access data can be engaged to create a Smart Heritage that is autonomously data-responsive. To best achieve the research aim, this study employs Chinatown Melbourne as the primary case study. The results of this study contribute to practical knowledge on maximising the use of open-access data for Smart Heritage initiatives, facilitating the establishment of strategic Smart Heritage frameworks. The study also helps researchers and policymakers better understand the difference between digitisation and smartness in heritage sites. An identified limitation is the singularity of the case study and the limited variety of open-access data from the local council on the case study’s region. Future research is encouraged to explore additional case studies and broader datasets to enhance our understanding of Smart Heritage practices.

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