UNESCO-UNITAR/UNOSAT Training on the Use of Satellite Technologies for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage

February 25–28: With the support of the Lviv Cultural Hub, an advanced UNESCO‑UNITAR / United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) training on the use of satellite imagery and geospatial technologies for the protection of Ukraine’s archaeological and natural heritage took place.

The event was organized by UNESCO, UNITAR/UNOSAT, and the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Japan.

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Over four days, participants received theoretical instruction and carried out practical exercises using advanced digital tools. The training covered:

• Detection and mapping of archaeological sites.
• Analysis of satellite imagery to assess damage to heritage assets.
• Cloud‑cover filtering in satellite images.
• Use of Google Earth Engine to monitor the impacts of floods, fires, and chemical contamination.
• Use of UN‑ASIGN, a mobile application for collecting geotagged information.

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On February 28, an official closing ceremony was held with representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, the Ukrainian National Commission for UNESCO, UNITAR/UNOSAT, and UNESCO Ukraine.

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The training represented an important step toward safeguarding heritage under current conditions.
Thank you to all organizers and participants.

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Photo: UNESCO / Vitaliy Hrabar