Mapping the landscape of digital cultural heritage research: a quantitative and visual bibliometric study

Purpose This study explores the deep integration of digital technology and cultural heritage to promote the preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage. Focusing on Digital Cultural Heritage (DCH), this research investigates its key role in activating theoretical research and practical applications in cultural heritage. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted an extensive bibliometric analysis utilizing VOSviewer and Bibliometrix visualization software to meticulously examine DCH research. Insights were gleaned from a dataset comprising 2,997 DCH-related publications harvested from the Web of Science database. Findings The bibliometric analysis reveals several notable findings: driven by active contributions from Italy, China, Spain, and the USA, the number of DCH publications shows a linear upward trend. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche in Italy emerges as a prominent institution, while the Journal of Cultural Heritage stands out as the most influential journal in the DCH field. Scholars such as Remondino, Guidi, Barazzetti, and Carrozzino have significantly impacted DCH research. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of keyword co-occurrence networks elucidates six major research trajectories in the DCH field, covering various aspects from cultural heritage digitization to digital humanities. Practical implications The study emphasizes the value of global knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative technology applications, and digital content provision practices in advancing DCH research. Originality/value By delving into the multifaceted landscape of DCH research, this study brings forth original insights into the escalating trends, pivotal contributors, and burgeoning research directions.