AI to drones: Govt complements ASI’s traditional practices to preserve heritage
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) currently safeguards 3,686 centrally protected monuments, supported by strengthened conservation systems, scientific restoration methods, and modern technologies such as AI, an official fact sheet said on Saturday.
India’s global heritage profile has expanded, with 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the recent addition of the Maratha Military Landscapes.
“Heritage and monument preservation has advanced through large-scale digitisation, the creation of national heritage databases, and the wider adoption of scientific and digital tools for documentation and conservation,” the fact sheet said.
Notably, technology has become an increasingly important pillar in India’s conservation ecosystem, complementing ASI’s traditional practices with tools that enhance documentation, diagnostics, and long-term preservation.
Modern technologies such as LiDAR scanning, GIS-based mapping, and drone-based surveys are being used, as required, for accurate documentation. There has also been a growing use of scientific laboratory techniques to study heritage materials, understand patterns of deterioration, and determine the most suitable conservation treatments.
“In parallel, India has expanded the application of digital and spatial technologies that support accurate recording and proactive conservation planning,” the statement added.
Key tools now used in heritage documentation and assessment include 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, drone-based surveys, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based mapping.
In addition to these technologies, the government has begun integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the broader cultural and heritage ecosystem, particularly in areas such as digitisation, documentation, and accessibility of cultural assets. AI-enabled platforms are being used to process and organise large volumes of heritage data, including manuscripts and cultural knowledge systems, and to enhance public access through digital interfaces and language technologies.
Drone-based surveys have also been undertaken in collaboration with institutions such as the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), demonstrating the integration of scientific institutions into heritage conservation efforts.
“India’s growing presence on the global heritage map reflects the country’s ability to present its cultural legacy with renewed confidence,” the statement said.
