Challenges in use of geographical information systems (GIS) in a research for understanding conservation of cultural heritage in Bursa

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework of introducing a proper method to document and to analyze conservation process of cultural heritage in Bursa, known as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey and to discuss challenges in use of geographical information systems (GIS) for assessment of a complex data collected and analyzed during different phases of the historic researches.

A systematic approach is used to understand relations between theoretical and practical processes of heritage conservation in Bursa. Due to the complicated structure of input data, GIS was used as the major tool in illustration of cultural heritage in various spatial scales, while providing connection between different timelines of its urban history. Within this concept, at first, conservation history of cultural heritage in Bursa is briefly described. Second, four stages of the method, used to make reliable and convenient assessment, are given. Finally, facilities and challenges in using this system are discussed in relation with the results achieved.

As a result of this study, both chronological and spatial distribution of all types of conservation practices are described in related with theoretical and legal aspects. There appear both advantages and limitations in use of GIS, during assessment of input data to understand conservation history of Bursa.

Therefore, it would be possible to see if it is adequate to understand the complicated structure of such kind of overlapped sources in a systematic way of information management system.