Towards Sustainable Preservation: A LoRa-based Modularized Environmental Monitoring System for Cultural Heritage Protection

The protection and management of cultural heritage is a globally significant i ssue. N otably, e nvironmental conditions are crucial for the long-term preservation of artifacts, especially at cultural heritage sites where fluctuations i n f actors s uch as temperature, humidity, light exposure, and volatile organic compounds can cause severe damage to cultural relics. Traditional environmental monitoring solutions for cultural heritage often have limitations, including restricted data transmission ranges, high energy consumption, and complex system integration. In this study, we propose a modular cultural heritage environment monitoring system based on LoRa technology. Serving as an upgraded version of the CANARIN II project deployed at the Biblioteca Joanina de Coimbra, the system enables comprehensive detection and analysis of up to 23 environmental parameters with low energy consumption and high stability. Additionally, the system features an innovative modular design that allows for the adjustment or replacement of different sensors as needed, thereby addressing the issue of short sensor lifespans. Our research demonstrates that utilizing a LoRa-based modular environmental monitoring system for artifact protection is both efficient and feasible, and it can also support decision-makers in developing scientifically g rounded c onservation strategies.