Digital Humanities and Intelligent Computing for Cultural Heritage: A Global Book Series and Its First Volume

Xiaoguang Wang, Marcia Lei Zeng, Jin Gao, Ke Zhao

The rapid development of digital technologies is reshaping humanities research and the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide. In response to these transformations, the book series Digital Humanities and Intelligent Computing has been initiated by the Intelligent Computing Laboratory for Cultural Heritage (ICLCH) at Wuhan University, originating from the Centre for Digital Humanities at the same institution, and is under contract with Routledge. The series is designed to provide a comprehensive global perspective on the latest advancements and trends in digital humanities (DH) and intelligent computing for cultural heritage, and to promote cross-cultural dialogue, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The present volume Intelligent Computing for Cultural Heritage: Global Achievements and China’s Innovations is the first open-access book in this series. It was officially launched at University College London (UCL) in September 2024, marking the beginning of its international academic engagement.

DH is an interdisciplinary field that uses computational methods and technologies to conduct humanities research while also applying humanistic lens to study the digital applications. Globally, increasing numbers of scholars are adopting technologies such as computing, geographic information systems (GIS), data visualisation, digital media, and artificial intelligence (AI) to explore new research questions and reassess the role of technology in knowledge production. At the same time, the digital revitalisation of cultural heritage has created new application scenarios, research tools, and perspectives for traditional humanities disciplines. Within this context, the first book introduces the concept of Intelligent Computing for Cultural Heritage (ICCH). ICCH combines DH approaches with advanced technologies such as big data, AI, and virtual reality to capture, record, analyse, and represent the information and knowledge embedded in cultural heritage. Its goal is to digitally revitalise cultural heritage through sustainable methods, facilitating its transition from the physical environment to digital spaces. Through ICCH, historical and cultural meanings can be more effectively extracted and represented, providing a foundation for wider dissemination, immersive engagement, and critical interpretation. The concept also contributes to the broader digital transformation of human civilisation and supports the sustainable continuity of traditional culture in digital environments, while opening new pathways for multidisciplinary research and education.

The first book offers a global perspective on the latest advancements and trends in DH and ICCH, covering both academic research and case studies within cultural institutions. Contributions come from multiple regions, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. The volume is divided into two parts, Global Creative Approaches (Part I) and Innovative Practice in China (Part II).

The first part of this book comprises six chapters that collectively examine the global developments and challenges in the field of DH and cultural heritage. It explores various perspectives, including open humanities data in cultural heritage sectors in the United States, data modelling for digital archiving of intangible and experiential entities, publishing and studying military history on the Semantic Web, global trends in DH education, the history of DH development and collaboration within a university, and the digital readiness of cultural heritage institutions in a country. These chapters provide a comprehensive overview of the state of DH on a global scale, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts and creative solutions.

The second part of this book stands out by presenting China’s contributions to DH and ICCH. It covers digitising efforts, digital memory construction, the use of digital twin technology for tangible heritage, experimental methodologies for digital revitalisation, and advanced digital reconstruction of ancient texts, offering a comprehensive and valuable view of the field.

For more information: https://www.routledge.com/Intelligent-Computing-for-Cultural-Heritage-Global-Achievements-and-Chinas-Innovations/Wang-Zeng-Gao-Zhao/p/book/9781032783581

Open Access: Wang, X., Zeng, M. L., Gao, J., & Zhao, K. (2024). Intelligent Computing for Cultural Heritage: Global Achievements and China’s Innovations (p. 280). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032707211.