Preserving the Past, Building the Future: An Economic Trade-Off Strategy for Archaeological Site Protection and Real Estate Development Using Artificial Intelligence Technology
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DOI: 10.25236/etmhs.2025.015
Corresponding Author
Ruoxi You
Abstract
Archaeological sites are invaluable cultural assets that embody a community’s history, traditions, and heritage. While their protection is crucial for preserving future generations' connection to the past, these sites often face threats from real estate development, which promises short-term economic gains but may lead to long-term cultural and tourism losses. This paper proposes an innovative approach to balancing the preservation of archaeological heritage with the demands of land development, leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to optimize decision-making processes. By integrating AI-driven models such as cost-benefit analysis, dynamic land rental models, and scenario simulations, the research aims to enhance predictions and resource allocation for stakeholders involved in archaeological site management and urban planning. AI’s ability to analyze large datasets—ranging from tourism trends to real estate pricing and demographic data—enables the development of more accurate forecasts on the economic impacts of site preservation versus land development. Furthermore, this paper explores the use of natural language processing (NLP) for analyzing policy documents and legal frameworks to identify potential regulatory hurdles or opportunities for integrated development. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive, data-driven decision support system that not only predicts economic outcomes but also facilitates collaboration between stakeholders like governments, developers, and archaeologists. This AI-enabled framework offers a sustainable path forward for managing the delicate balance between protecting cultural heritage and fostering economic growth in rapidly developing regions.
Keywords
Archaeological Site Protection, Real Estate Development, Artificial Intelligence (AI)