Open big earth observation data and artificial intelligence for the study and preservation of UNESCO natural and cultural heritage: The case of Machu Picchu

In recent decades, the availability of Earth Observation technologies for cultural and natural heritage is stepping into a golden age characterized by an increasing growth of both classical and emerging technologies for the study, documentation and preservation of the human past, archaeological landscape and environment. This work focuses on the use of free tools such as Google Earth Engine for processing big data acquired from satellite platforms (Landsat 7 and 8) on large spatial and temporal scales, for the protection and preservation of natural and cultural heritage. In particular, the analyses were conducted within the area of the Machu Picchu natural park. Through the use of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and statistical operations, the following were calculated: the impact of damaging fires such as wildfires through automatic identification and perimeter of the burnt area and calculation of Fire Severity, as well as changes in vegetation (loss and gain) over the twenty-year period 2000-2020. The results demonstrated how remote sensing can be a fundamental tool in the monitoring, management, and protection of the natural and cultural landscape.