Automated Edge Detection for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Comparative Evaluation of Classical and Deep Learning Methods on Artworks Affected by Natural Disaster Damage

Assessing the condition of artworks is a critical step in cultural heritage conservation that traditionally involves manual damage mapping, which is time-consuming and reliant on expert input. This study, conducted within the ChemiNova project, explores the automation of edge detection using both cl...

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Main Authors: Laya Targa, Carmen Cano, Álvaro Solbes-García, Sergio Casas, Ester Alba, Cristina Portalés
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8260
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author Laya Targa
Carmen Cano
Álvaro Solbes-García
Sergio Casas
Ester Alba
Cristina Portalés
author_facet Laya Targa
Carmen Cano
Álvaro Solbes-García
Sergio Casas
Ester Alba
Cristina Portalés
author_sort Laya Targa
collection DOAJ
description Assessing the condition of artworks is a critical step in cultural heritage conservation that traditionally involves manual damage mapping, which is time-consuming and reliant on expert input. This study, conducted within the ChemiNova project, explores the automation of edge detection using both classical image processing techniques (Canny, Sobel, and Laplacian) and a deep learning model (DexiNed). The methodology integrates interdisciplinary collaboration between conservation professionals and computer scientists, applying these algorithms to artworks affected by environmental damage, including flooding. Preprocessing and post-processing techniques were used to enhance detection accuracy and reduce noise. The results show that while traditional methods often yield higher precision and recall scores, they are also sensitive to texture and contrast variations. These findings suggest that automated edge detection can support conservation efforts by streamlining condition assessments and improving documentation.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2076-3417
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Applied Sciences
spelling doaj-art-8fbdf2b5252c4af6b3707a57afde0b312025-08-20T04:00:50ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-07-011515826010.3390/app15158260Automated Edge Detection for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Comparative Evaluation of Classical and Deep Learning Methods on Artworks Affected by Natural Disaster DamageLaya Targa0Carmen Cano1Álvaro Solbes-García2Sergio Casas3Ester Alba4Cristina Portalés5Institute of Robotics and Information and Communication Technologies (IRTIC), Universitat de València, 46980 Valencia, SpainDepartment of Art History, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, SpainDepartment of Art History, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, SpainInstitute of Robotics and Information and Communication Technologies (IRTIC), Universitat de València, 46980 Valencia, SpainDepartment of Art History, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, SpainInstitute of Robotics and Information and Communication Technologies (IRTIC), Universitat de València, 46980 Valencia, SpainAssessing the condition of artworks is a critical step in cultural heritage conservation that traditionally involves manual damage mapping, which is time-consuming and reliant on expert input. This study, conducted within the ChemiNova project, explores the automation of edge detection using both classical image processing techniques (Canny, Sobel, and Laplacian) and a deep learning model (DexiNed). The methodology integrates interdisciplinary collaboration between conservation professionals and computer scientists, applying these algorithms to artworks affected by environmental damage, including flooding. Preprocessing and post-processing techniques were used to enhance detection accuracy and reduce noise. The results show that while traditional methods often yield higher precision and recall scores, they are also sensitive to texture and contrast variations. These findings suggest that automated edge detection can support conservation efforts by streamlining condition assessments and improving documentation.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8260cultural heritage conservationedge detectionimage processingdamage mapping
spellingShingle Laya Targa
Carmen Cano
Álvaro Solbes-García
Sergio Casas
Ester Alba
Cristina Portalés
Automated Edge Detection for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Comparative Evaluation of Classical and Deep Learning Methods on Artworks Affected by Natural Disaster Damage
Applied Sciences
cultural heritage conservation
edge detection
image processing
damage mapping
title Automated Edge Detection for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Comparative Evaluation of Classical and Deep Learning Methods on Artworks Affected by Natural Disaster Damage
title_full Automated Edge Detection for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Comparative Evaluation of Classical and Deep Learning Methods on Artworks Affected by Natural Disaster Damage
title_fullStr Automated Edge Detection for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Comparative Evaluation of Classical and Deep Learning Methods on Artworks Affected by Natural Disaster Damage
title_full_unstemmed Automated Edge Detection for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Comparative Evaluation of Classical and Deep Learning Methods on Artworks Affected by Natural Disaster Damage
title_short Automated Edge Detection for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Comparative Evaluation of Classical and Deep Learning Methods on Artworks Affected by Natural Disaster Damage
title_sort automated edge detection for cultural heritage conservation comparative evaluation of classical and deep learning methods on artworks affected by natural disaster damage
topic cultural heritage conservation
edge detection
image processing
damage mapping
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8260
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