Multidisciplinary digital methodologies for documentation and preservation of immovable Archaeological heritage in the Khovd River Valley, Western Mongolia

Background: The archaeological and ethnographic heritages of Mongolia reflect a multi-millennial continuity typically mobile-pastoral occupations across sparsely populated, environmentally diverse landscapes, but the threats modernisation industrialisation to those are nevertheless present substantial. construction Erdeneburen Hydroelectric Dam on Khovd River in western is planned submerge hundreds features jeopardise at least another thousand. Methods: Mongolian Archaeology Project: Surveying Steppes, collaboration with Institute Archaeology, integrates variety digital techniques including GIS (geographic information systems), Machine Learning automated site detection, drone mapping, Structure-from-Motion LiDAR scanning document endangered archaeology. This paper presents resulting dataset three different impact zones associated dam evaluates degree efficacy initial data integration strategy through informal partner feedback self-assessment. Results: While only approximately 20% documented sites fall within flood zone, remaining will be subjected collateral such as industrial infrastructural development that necessitate extended monitoring, both temporally spatially. In consideration these results, this argues ‘responsive’ mode heritage disaster intervention can bridge gap between ‘reactive’ ‘proactive’ modes, requires an integrated (digital) methodology. Conclusions: concludes by offering new, more interconnected ‘transmethodology’ addresses spatiality, sub-sampling, reuse, community input multiple disciplines cultural preservation, salvage archaeology, computer vision, authors developed workflows out theoretical framework considers principles Symmetrical Resilience Humanitarianism, CARE standard for inclusive management (Collective benefit, Authority control, Responsibility, Ethics).