# Edge Computing Architecture for the Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage
## 2 Related Work
The information gathered through sensor networks not only aids in assessing the immediate conditions surrounding a site but also serves as a foundation for predictive models that forecast future threats due to climate change, sediment displacement, or human activity. By leveraging these technological advancements, the conservation of UCH becomes more proactive, ensuring that interventions are timely and precisely targeted, thus prolonging the lifespan of these invaluable underwater resources. In this context, underwater localisation plays a crucial role in conservation operations, where accurately identifying and marking points of interest is not only vital for research and documentation but also essential for ensuring the safety and coordination of conservation teams [27]. Accurate underwater localisation has long been recognised as a challenging task. The limited propagation of radio waves underwater, which form the basis of most surface localisation systems, has driven the search for alternative solutions. Acoustic communication has emerged as the most promising option, taking advantage of sound waves' ability to travel effectively through water [28]. However, the development of precise and reliable acoustic technologies continues to be a complex task, particularly when balancing technical complexity and cost-effectiveness. In response to these challenges, devices like the low-cost, compact NMv3 modem have been introduced. This modem facilitates communication and distance measurement between transmitter and receiver using acoustic technology in underwater environments [29]. The advancement of acoustic communication has been crucial for developing underwater wireless communication networks (UWCNs). Despite its limitations, acoustic communication remains the most versatile and widely used physical layer technology for underwater communication. This technological foundation has enabled the rise of the IoUT, an extension of the internet of things (IoT) to the underwater environment [30]. The IoUT establishes a network of interconnected smart devices capable of exchanging data and performing real-time measurements, representing a significant leap forward in the monitoring and conservation of aquatic ecosystems and submerged heritage. By applying the IoUT in underwater heritage conservation projects, the possibilities for precise identification, detailed documentation, and adequate protection of historically and culturally significant sites are greatly expanded. The application of IoUT in UCH conservation opens new possibilities for site monitoring and management. However, one of the critical challenges in deploying such networks is optimising both energy consumption and security, particularly in harsh underwater environments which are prone to jamming. Ref. [31] demonstrates that through content caching and selective encryption, UWCNs can enhance both security and energy efficiency, making IoUT applications in UCH conservation even more viable. By creating a network of smart and secure interconnected devices, the IoUT allows for the continuous, real-time monitoring of underwater interest points [32]. These smart devices not only monitor environmental conditions but also interpret and respond to changes, enhancing the strategies for preserving and managing underwater cultural heritage. Marine IoT systems face significant challenges in establishing reliable communication networks due to their deployment in remote areas, often far from terrestrial communication infrastructure. These locations lack the connectivity provided by traditional networks, making it difficult to transmit data in real time, which is crucial for monitoring and managing maritime points of interest. LoRa technology has been widely adopted in IoT applications due to its low power consumption and long-range capabilities, making it suitable for monitoring in remote maritime environments [33].