# Edge Computing Architecture for the Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage
## 2 Related Work  
The effects of climate change on UCH are increasingly concerning for researchers and policymakers alike [10; 11]. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and changes in sea currents directly affect the structural integrity of submerged cultural assets [12]. Studies have shown that warmer water accelerates the corrosion of the metals found in shipwcks, and acidification increases the degradation rate of organic materials such as wood and textiles [13]. The rising sea level could directly impact not only coastal but also underwater heritage. Some land-based sites will flood. Additionally, the disruption of sediment layers due to the changing ocean currents and extreme weather events exposes previously buried artifacts to more aggressive environmental conditions, further accelerating their decay [14]. Usually, fieldwork in UCH conservation has long relied on direct human intervention, with experimented divers conducting surveys and site maintenance. However, these methods pose significant risks to both the divers and to the delicate nature of the heritage sites [15]. This shift has led to the adoption of technological systems in conservation efforts, allowing for detailed exploration and monitoring of UCH without physically disturbing the site. Three-dimensional surveying and mapping techniques have proven to be essential tools for the surveillance and documentation of UCH. They primarily rely on optical and acoustic sensors to acquire detailed representations of the sites to be digitalised by using 3D reconstruction techniques [16; 17]. Single-beam echo sounders are instrumental in constructing maps via profiling, while multibeam echo sounders expedite mapping extensive areas using fan-shaped beams. Side-scan sonar generates 2D images of the surface using two fan beams. Sub-bottom profilers can penetrate sediment to create images of subsurface structures [18]. ROVs are manually controlled in real time and tethered to a surface vessel with an umbilical cable. They are equipped with various sensors and are commonly used for UCH monitoring and documentation [19]. Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) are unmanned robotic platforms typically equipped with sensors and cameras for mapping and monitoring tasks [20]. In addition to these functions, ASVs can play a crucial role in enhancing diver safety by tracking their position in real time, monitoring environmental conditions, and providing immediate alerts or support during underwater operations [21; 22]. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are fully autonomous robots that perform missions without human intervention or surface vessels. They carry advanced sensors such as side-scan sonar and multibeam echo sounders, allowing for the high-resolution 3D mapping of UCH sites [23; 24]. The conservation of submerged archaeological complexes requires innovative and sustainable solutions that not only preserve these sites in situ but also leverage the available data for informed decision making. As the availability of environmental and archaeological data increases, the challenge for conservationists is how to intelligently combine this information to generate actionable insights [25]. In this context, sensors have emerged as highly efficient and cost-effective instruments for detecting changes in the environment [26]. Deployed at critical underwater locations, these sensors provide continuous measurements of environmental variables such as temperature, pressure, salinity, and pH levels, all of which play a significant role in the stability and preservation of submerged artifacts. Byintegrating these sensors into underwater communication networks, real-time measurements can be conducted, allowing for the precise assessments of risks and enhancing the response capabilities for addressing potential threats to the integrity of heritage sites.