BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF MAPPING KAZDANGA

Authors

  • Mg. art. Zane Grigoroviča Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia
  • Mg. art. Luīze Frančeska Dakša Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia
  • Bc. art. Sanda Paukšte Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia
  • Diāna Mierture Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55877/cc.vol33.572

Keywords:

Kazdanga, cultural heritage, place identity, data visualization, digital humanities

Abstract

In this article, the authors examine the digital mapping of cultural heritage and place identity in Kazdanga, Latvia, employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates historical, ethnographic, and digital humanities methodologies. Through field research, archival analysis, and community engagement, the research has been aimed at exploring the interaction of spatial, temporal, and social dimensions in shaping local identity. Using the Palladio tool for data structuring and visualisation, the authors critically assess the methodological challenges of representing heterogeneous and intangible cultural heritage data in digital formats. The findings highlight the significance of both material and immaterial heritage in constructing place identity, emphasizing the relationship between historical continuity and socio-cultural transformation. The research challenges the limitations of existing metadata standards in capturing the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of local heritage. By demonstrating the potential of digital visualisation for cultural heritage research, the authors advocate for participatory and reflexive approaches that integrate community perspectives into digital heritage initiatives, encouraging sustainable engagement with local history and identity.

Supporting Agencies
Project “Kazdanga – from place stories to community identity networking and cultural heritage digitization” is supported by the research project programme “Development of Scientific Activities at the Latvian Academy of Culture” of the Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies of the Latvian Academy of Culture.

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Published

15.04.2026

Issue

Vol. 33 (2026): Culture Crossroads

Section

CULTURAL HERITAGE

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