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The Evolution of Digital Cultural Heritage Research: Identifying Key Trends, Hotspots, and Challenges through Bibliometric Analysis

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  • Yuntao Lian

    (College of Art and Design, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159, Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Jiafeng Xie

    (College of Art and Design, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159, Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
    Jinpu Research Institute, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159, Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
    Digital Innovation Design Research Center, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159, Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China)

Abstract

Heritage preservation fundamentally represents an act of communication, with digitization and virtual access driving cultural heritage research development and dissemination. These tools stimulate the creation of cultural heritage content and inspire public engagement in learning about and preserving heritage. Despite substantial academic focus on digital cultural heritage (DCH) research, systematic assessment methods remain lacking. This paper researches the application of digital technologies in cultural heritage studies using CiteSpace 6.2 R4 to analyze the evolution of DCH, identifying research hotspots and predicting future trends. The key findings include the following: (1) Current DCH research focuses on countries with significant national power, but future studies should emphasize regions rich in cultural heritage and promote transnational and interdisciplinary research. (2) DCH research concentrates on three areas: the use of VR, AR, and other interactive digital technologies to enhance cultural heritage experiences; the development of cultural relic databases and digital archives; and the implementation of interactive exhibitions and multimedia guides. (3) Identified research hotspots include user immersion experiences, language and identity, and virtual reality technologies. Digital technologies enhance cultural heritage communication by driving innovations in preservation, information management, and digitization. (4) Future research should focus on practical DCH development, emphasizing innovative virtual technologies, database integration, and standardized assessment methods. These efforts aim to provide valuable insights for the sustainable global preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage. The use of digital technologies in cultural heritage is becoming increasingly important, but there is still a need to strike a balance between technological development and heritage preservation to ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuntao Lian & Jiafeng Xie, 2024. "The Evolution of Digital Cultural Heritage Research: Identifying Key Trends, Hotspots, and Challenges through Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-39, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7125-:d:1459573
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Shan Jiang & Zhong Zhang & Huayuan Xu & Younghwan Pan, 2024. "What Influences Users’ Continuous Behavioral Intention in Cultural Heritage Virtual Tourism: Integrating Experience Economy Theory and Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-29, November.
    3. Zhe Tang & Ennan Wu, 2025. "Polyphony in action: interdisciplinary approaches and sustainable strategies for musical cultural heritage preservation," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.
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    5. Hao-Chiang Koong Lin & Li-Wen Lu & Ruei-Shan Lu, 2024. "Integrating Digital Technologies and Alternate Reality Games for Sustainable Education: Enhancing Cultural Heritage Awareness and Learning Engagement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-18, October.
    6. Majd Al-Homoud, 2025. "Space Personalization as a Catalyst for Sustainable Aging in Place: Enhancing Elderly Autonomy Through Culturally Adaptive Housing in Jordan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-35, May.
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    8. Yaotian Ai & Xinru Zhu & Kayoko Nohara, 2025. "Sustainable Digital Innovation for Regional Museums Through Cost-Effective Digital Reconstruction and Exhibition Co-Design: A Case Study of the Ryushi Memorial Museum," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-26, February.

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