Introduction

Immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are proving to be powerful tools for cultural heritage conservation1. These technologies enhance the recording, examination, and sharing of cultural objects and experiences, improving accessibility and interaction. VR, for instance, has enabled the creation of detailed digital replicas of endangered cultural monuments, protecting them from environmental and urban threats2. Alongside, 3D scanning and photogrammetry have been instrumental in digitally reconstructing cultural treasures for both preservation and public engagement, maintaining the integrity of the original artifacts3. The application of these technologies in cultural heritage now includes complex interactions with historic sites, offering immersive experiences that are both educational and engaging. Innovations are expected to continue, with AR and MR deepening visitor interactions within museums and archaeological sites by creating more interactive and personalized learning experiences. Future efforts aim to improve the accuracy of digital reproductions and develop interactive interfaces that include sensory feedback to enhance user engagement4. Moreover, there is a push to make immersive experiences more accessible to the public, thereby preserving cultural heritage for future generations. This involves developing digital solutions that can be distributed and used widely, making cultural heritage accessible globally5. Immersive technologies are also vital for preserving intangible cultural heritage, such as folk dances, capturing the intricate details of these traditions, and enabling global user participation6,7. VR offers a fully immersive experience, enhancing users’ understanding of the cultural context8.

Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain in the field of immersive technologies for cultural heritage preservation. A lack of standardized methodologies for digital documentation and reconstruction poses challenges in ensuring accuracy, authenticity, and long-term usability of digital heritage assets9. Additionally, scalability and accessibility issues limit the widespread adoption of these technologies, as high development costs, technological infrastructure requirements, and user experience considerations vary across cultural contexts10. Another critical gap is the absence of longitudinal studies assessing the long-term impact of immersive technologies on both conservation effectiveness and audience engagement11. While prior research has explored technological applications, there is still insufficient empirical evidence on their effectiveness in knowledge transmission, cultural identity preservation, and educational impact12. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of cultural heritage preservation and technology adoption is underexplored. Effective integration requires collaboration between cultural heritage experts, technologists, educators, and policymakers, yet existing studies rarely address this cross-disciplinary approach in depth13. There is also a need for research on ethical and legal considerations, including intellectual property rights, data ownership, and cultural sensitivity in digital replications14.

To address these gaps, this study distinguishes itself from existing literature through its use of a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, which offers a systematic overview of the research landscape in immersive technologies for cultural heritage preservation. Unlike earlier works that focus on specific case studies or isolated technological applications, this research identifies broad trends, interdisciplinary collaborations, and emerging research clusters15,16. Additionally, this study provides new insights into the transformative potential of immersive technologies by examining their applications in both tangible and intangible heritage contexts. It emphasizes the shift from traditional static preservation methods to dynamic, interactive approaches that foster public engagement and educational impact. By addressing gaps in scalability, accessibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration, this research lays the groundwork for advancing both theoretical and practical frameworks in the field. These contributions position the study as a pivotal resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to optimize the integration of immersive technologies in cultural heritage conservation.

Immersive technology refers to digital systems that create or enhance environments, blending virtual content with the real world to engage users in deeply engaging experiences17. These technologies encompass VR, AR, and MR, each providing different levels of immersion and interaction with digital and physical environments18. VR immerses users completely in a simulated environment, exemplified by the Oculus Rift, which offers a fully immersive experience for exploring virtual worlds19. AR overlays digital information onto the real world, as seen in applications like Microsoft’s HoloLens, which allows users to interact with holographic data in their immediate environment20. MR combines elements of both VR and AR to create environments where physical and digital objects coexist and interact in real-time, such as in Magic Leap’s technology21. These technologies are rapidly evolving, pushing the boundaries of user experience in fields such as education, healthcare, and entertainment.

Immersive technologies are increasingly applied in cultural heritage preservation, providing powerful tools for documentation, restoration, and public engagement. For example, VR has been used to create detailed virtual replicas of sites that are too fragile or dangerous for regular tourist visits, such as the Lascaux caves in France22. These replicas allow public interaction without physical wear on the actual artifacts. AR enhances visitor experiences in museums and archaeological sites by providing contextual information and reconstructing ruins or artifacts in their original form. The British Museum uses AR technology to bring historical artifacts to life, allowing visitors to view objects in their historical context and gain a deeper understanding of their significance23. Moreover, immersive technologies facilitate more profound public engagement by enabling interactive storytelling and personalized learning experiences, catering to varied interests and learning styles24. The immersive aspect helps create memorable experiences that promote a lasting appreciation of cultural heritage.

Despite the advances in immersive technologies and their applications in cultural heritage preservation, significant gaps remain in the literature. One major gap is the lack of comprehensive studies analysing the long-term impacts of these technologies on preservation outcomes and visitor perceptions25. More research is needed on the scalability of these technologies in different cultural contexts and their accessibility to various socioeconomic groups26. Therefore, a bibliometric analysis of the literature highlights the need for further research to address these gaps and enhance the effectiveness of these technologies in safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations.

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature on immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation using bibliometric analysis. The goal is to synthesize key findings and identify areas that require further research. By employing two distinct bibliometric analyses, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into current and future research directions in the field of immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation. The following bibliometric techniques are used to achieve the research objectives:

  1. 1.

    Assess current trends in the research of immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation by applying bibliographic coupling analysis.

  2. 2.

    Identify new research directions related to immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation using co-word analysis.

Methodology

Bibliometric analysis is a quantitative method that uses statistical analysis of bibliographic data—such as publications, citations, and keywords—to identify patterns, trends, and relationships within a research field27. This approach helps researchers pinpoint influential authors, institutions, and publications and recognize emerging topics and research frontiers28. To ensure a systematic and replicable approach, this study follows three key stages: (1) Data Collection, where bibliographic records are retrieved and filtered (specified in the search string); (2) Data Processing and Cleaning, to ensure dataset accuracy and reliability, preprocessing steps included duplicate removal, where articles indexed under multiple Web of Science (WoS) categories were merged, standardization of author names, institutional affiliations, and keyword formats to eliminate redundancies, and manual screening of abstracts and keywords to confirm relevance; and (3) Data Analysis, using bibliometric techniques to uncover significant trends and relationships in the literature.

In this study, two bibliometric techniques are employed. Bibliographic coupling analysis determines the similarity between publications based on shared references, identifying clusters of related research that may not directly cite each other but share common sources29. This technique is valuable for uncovering active research themes and trends within the field of immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation.

Co-word analysis investigates the co-occurrence of keywords across the literature, based on the principle that frequently appearing keywords are conceptually related and map the semantic network of the research area30. By applying co-word analysis, researchers can discern the most significant keywords and their interrelationships, highlighting emerging themes and potential directions for future research in the field.

Search string

We conducted a rigorous review using the WoS database, specifically focusing on the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), which cover a broad range of high-quality academic journals. WoS was selected based on its high reliability, curated indexing, and extensive coverage of peer-reviewed scholarly articles in high-impact journals, particularly in digital heritage, immersive technologies, and cultural preservation31. Compared to other databases such as Scopus or Google Scholar, WoS provides a well-structured citation network with curated and citation-rich datasets, ensuring the inclusion of high-quality and influential research32. While Scopus also offers broad coverage, WoS is preferred for bibliometric studies due to its transparent indexing criteria, established reputation in scientometric research, and its ability to maintain a high level of research integrity. Future studies may extend the analysis to other databases to compare variations in results and ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the research landscape. The search was limited to articles published up to December 31, 2023. To find relevant titles, abstracts, and keywords, we used the “TOPIC” search field. To ensure comprehensive coverage, we selected keywords that capture immersive technologies and cultural heritage preservation. This selection was informed by prior bibliometric studies and expert recommendations in digital heritage research. Boolean operators (e.g., “OR,” “AND”) and wildcard symbols (*, e.g., “technology*”) were used to ensure a broad yet precise dataset. The detailed search parameters and criteria are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1 Search strategy and inclusion criteria
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This strategic selection enables the study to map key research trends and emerging innovations in the field. To cater to our target audience and adhere to the dominant language of scientific communication, we restricted our analysis to documents written in English. While we acknowledge that valuable research exists in other languages, our focus on English-language publications ensures a more standardized dataset and facilitates global accessibility and comparability of findings. Future studies could expand the scope by incorporating multilingual sources to capture regional perspectives and developments. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the screening process yielded a total of 725 articles for further analysis. The inclusion criteria required that selected studies be peer-reviewed journal articles or conference proceedings explicitly discussing immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation. Exclusion criteria included non-English publications, studies lacking full-text access, and articles unrelated to the primary research focus (e.g., general discussions on VR/AR without a cultural heritage context).

Publication trend and descriptive analysis

The WoS database identified a total of 12,076 citations, including 10,875 self-citations, resulting in a self-citation rate of approximately 90%. While self-citations are expected in specialized or emerging fields, this figure suggests a concentration of citations within a limited network of researchers. This may indicate a lack of interdisciplinary collaborations or regional diversification in research. The average number of citations per article was 16.66, resulting in an H-index of 49. indicating that at least 49 publications in this field have received 49 or more citations each. This metric reflects a moderate to high level of scholarly influence, suggesting that immersive technologies for cultural heritage preservation have garnered significant academic attention. The analysis of the 725 articles reveals a growing interest in the research area of immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation. Although this field of study originated in 1997, significant contributions only began to emerge in 2017. Since then, the number of publications has shown a steady increase, rising from 25 publications in 2017 to a much higher peak of 171 publications in 2023. Figure 1 presents the evolution of article publication, and the corresponding citation counts from 1997 to December 31, 2023.

Fig. 1
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Annual trends in publications and citations on immersive technologies for cultural heritage preservation (1997–2023).

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Bibliographic coupling

The results of the bibliographic coupling analysis, which adhered to a minimum citation threshold of 40, comprised 64 references. However, only 59 are linked based on bibliographic coupling. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the network analysis was derived from the references. Table 2 presents ranking the ten most-cited references according to their total link strength. The publications of Bekele et al.5, Serravalle et al.33, and Errichiello et al.34 are particularly noteworthy, having received 380, 87, and 76 citations, respectively.

Fig. 2
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Intellectual structure of research on immersive technologies for cultural heritage preservation based on bibliographic coupling.

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Table 2 The documents that rank highest in terms of total link strength and co-citations
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By employing bibliographic coupling analysis, it was possible to identify five distinct clusters. These clusters represent different areas of emphasis in the body of literature pertaining to immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation. These clusters function as visual representations of publications’ compilations linked through bibliographic coupling and share a common thematic underpinning. A method is utilized in which publications linked to a specific cluster are represented as nodes, each of which is differentiated by a unique color to facilitate identification and analysis35. The following are the classifications and descriptions offered for each cluster, with an emphasis on the themes that they encompass:

  • Cluster 1 (Red) has 16 publications titled “Predictive Analytics and Advanced Technologies for Cultural Heritage Preservation”. This cluster highlights the transformative power of cutting-edge technology in cultural heritage preservation. By combining machine learning, remote sensing, and 3D modeling, these studies revolutionize the capture, documentation, and interpretation of heritage data. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) provide high-resolution data acquisition36,37, enabling researchers to gather detailed information about sites, even in difficult locations. This data supports advanced machine-learning algorithms for automating feature detection and semantic segmentation38,39, saving time and resources while uncovering new cultural and historical insights. Creating detailed 3D models and virtual reality experiences offers new opportunities for public engagement and education40,41, enabling interactive exploration of heritage sites. These technologies also play a crucial role in preventive conservation, vulnerability assessment, and monitoring42,43, allowing for proactive protection of heritage sites. Effective implementation requires close collaboration between heritage professionals and technology experts44,45, underscoring the significance of innovative data acquisition techniques and machine learning applications in analyzing and interpreting cultural heritage data, with an emphasis on predictive analytics for conservation.

  • Cluster 2 (Green) features 12 publications titled “Immersive Technologies Revitalize Cultural Heritage”, which explore the use of VR, AR and 360-degree video to create interactive experiences for heritage sites and museums. Key focuses include design methodologies for immersive applications such as virtual tours and games, highlighting the importance of user-centered design, storytelling, and multisensory experiences for engaging educational content46,47. Studies also explore 3D reconstruction and modeling techniques for creating accurate virtual representations of heritage sites, allowing remote exploration and preserving cultural sites for those unable to visit in person48,49. Research on immersive technologies’ impact on user experience reveals improved engagement, understanding, and appreciation of cultural heritage, though it notes the need for attention to usability and cognitive load50,51. Additionally, it discusses museum professionals’ views on the adoption of these technologies, underscoring the importance of collaboration among developers, heritage professionals, and users for successful integration51.

  • Cluster 3 (Blue) includes 11 publications titled “AR and MR Enhance Cultural Engagements”, exploring the use of AR and MR in cultural heritage. These technologies improve visitor experiences by overlaying digital information onto real-world objects, creating a seamless integration of the physical and virtual worlds. Studies survey and classify applications of AR and MR in cultural contexts, from museum exhibits to historical site experiences, discussing technical and design challenges5,52,53. A key focus is AR and MR’s role in boosting visitor engagement through interactive experiences, such as the Svevo Tour and Revealing Flashlight system, which provide access to otherwise unavailable information54,55. The importance of assessing user experience and presence in AR and MR projects is highlighted, advocating for comprehensive evaluation methods to measure their impact on visitor connection to heritage56. Additionally, the potential for outdoor experiences and integration with game engines for archaeological reconstructions demonstrate AR and MR’s ability to create immersive, educational encounters bridging past and present57,58.

  • Cluster 4 (Yellow) contains 10 publications titled “AR, VR Boost Visitor Perceptions”, which explore the impact and implications of AR and VR technologies in the context of cultural heritage tourism, including learning outcomes, and satisfaction at museums and cultural heritage sites, alongside the integration challenges and opportunities59. Studies indicate these technologies can significantly improve visitor perceptions, fostering greater satisfaction and likelihood to recommend, thus contributing to brand loyalty in cultural heritage tourism. Furthermore, AR and VR are shown to enhance educational experiences in museums, promoting deeper engagement with cultural content, particularly among younger audiences60,61. However, their educational effectiveness hinges on thoughtful design and integration with existing learning paradigms. The impact of AR and VR on tourism management and destination marketing is also explored, revealing the necessity for multi-stakeholder considerations regarding technical, financial, and organizational aspects for successful adoption33,62. Additionally, the influence of cultural differences on the adoption and impact of these technologies is highlighted, underlining the need for culturally sensitive implementation strategies.

  • Cluster 5 (Purple) consists of 10 publications titled “3D and Reconstruction Techniques for Cultural Heritage Preservation” that examine the application of 3D scanning and reconstruction technologies in documenting, preserving, and visualizing cultural heritage sites and objects. Utilizing techniques such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), photogrammetry, and 3D imaging sensors, these technologies enable the creation of precise 3D models of cultural assets63,64. The cluster explores the full digitization process from data acquisition to visualization and discusses the optimization of methods for specific project needs. It also highlights the development of VR experiences and digital archaeological exhibitions for immersive interaction with cultural heritage65,66. Additionally, the integration of 3D scanning with Building Information Modeling (BIM) is explored for historic buildings, combining geometric data with semantic information to enhance documentation and maintenance67. The cluster also acknowledges the application of these technologies in other fields like automotive manufacturing and criminal investigation68,69, emphasizing the pivotal role of 3D scanning and reconstruction in effectively preserving and presenting cultural heritage, thus enhancing access and understanding through virtual exhibitions and digital archaeology.

The five clusters represent distinct yet interconnected research trajectories in immersive technologies for cultural heritage preservation. AR and VR appear prominently in Cluster 2 (Immersive Technologies Revitalize Cultural Heritage) and Cluster 4 (AR, VR Boost Visitor Perceptions), highlighting their dual role in preservation and public engagement. Cluster 1 (Predictive Analytics and Advanced Technologies) and Cluster 5 (3D and Reconstruction Techniques) share a focus on AI, LiDAR, and 3D modeling, emphasizing automation in heritage documentation. Cluster 3 (AR and MR Enhance Cultural Engagements) bridges technological innovation and interactive experiences, reflecting a shift toward multi-sensory, user-centered approaches. These thematic overlaps suggest a move toward integrated, interdisciplinary strategies, fostering collaboration between technologists, heritage professionals, and educators for scalable, impactful preservation efforts.

Table 3 provides a summary of the bibliographic coupling analysis related to the research on immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation. The information provided consists of the labels assigned to each cluster, the total count of publications within each cluster, and examples of key publications that represent the thematic focus of each cluster.

Table 3 Co-citation clusters
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Co-occurrence of keyword

The co-word analysis revealed that each of the 53 identified keywords appeared at least 11 times in the literature. The most frequently mentioned keyword was “cultural heritage”, which occurred 205 times, followed by “augmented reality” with 134 occurrences, and “virtual reality” with 115 occurrences. Table 4 lists the top fifteen most frequently appearing keywords, highlighting the primary topics and areas of emphasis in research studies examining the application of immersive technologies for preserving cultural heritage.

Table 4 The top 15 most frequently used keywords
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The network illustrated in Fig. 3 displays four interconnected clusters of keyword co-occurrences. Further analysis and discussion of the features and thematic focuses of each cluster shed light on the interconnected areas of study within this field.

  • Cluster 1 (red) includes 17 keywords related to the “Immersive Tech Shapes Future Cultural Heritage”. AR, VR and MR are revolutionizing cultural heritage experiences, enabling immersive interactions with art, artifacts, and historical sites. These technologies offer innovative ways for visitors to explore and connect with cultural heritage, creating virtual reconstructions of ancient civilizations and interactive encounters with historical figures70. Beyond enhancing visitor engagement, immersive technologies are reshaping museum and heritage site operations, facilitating more efficient and sustainable management practices71. They support a broad spectrum of applications, from virtual tours to smart conservation strategies, aiding in the preservation and dissemination of cultural collections72. As the adoption of these technologies grows within the cultural heritage sector, a surge in cultural heritage tourism is expected, driven by the unique experiences they enable.

  • Cluster 2 (green) contains 14 keywords related to “3D Scanning and Modeling for Heritage”. Laser scanning, photogrammetry, and point cloud processing are changing the documentation, analysis, and interpretation of historical sites, monuments, and artifacts. Central to this advancement is 3D reconstruction, enabling the creation of detailed, interactive digital replicas of cultural heritage assets73. These technologies capture an object’s geometry, texture, and color with high precision, forming point clouds and 3D models essential for preserving our cultural legacy74. Additionally, integrating these models with Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) enhances the management and interpretation of heritage data, facilitating informed conservation strategies75. The trend toward user-friendly platforms for exploring cultural heritage data is growing, allowing broader access and deeper engagement with our shared history76.

  • Cluster 3 (blue) includes 12 keywords related to “AI-Driven Innovations in Archaeology and Digital Cultural Heritage”. This cluster explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, deep learning, archaeology, and digital cultural heritage, revolutionizing the identification and analysis of cultural sites and artifacts. With the aid of AI and machine learning, massive datasets from remote sensing technologies like LiDAR enable the automated detection and classification of cultural heritage assets77. This approach not only accelerates the discovery process but also uncovers sites previously unknown, offering insights into human history and settlement patterns. Additionally, deep learning is redefining the analysis of cultural objects, employing neural networks to automatically recognize artistic styles, iconography, and even detect forgeries78. These advancements facilitate a deeper understanding and conservation of cultural artifacts.

  • Cluster 4 (yellow) includes 10 keywords related to “Immersive Digital Heritage Education and Engagement”. This cluster highlights the significance of virtual reality (VR) and user experience design in enhancing digital heritage and educational approaches within museums and cultural institutions. The adoption of VR and digital technologies is pivotal in creating immersive renditions of cultural sites and artifacts, fostering deep engagement and learning opportunities79,80. However, crafting impactful virtual experiences demands addressing both technical and educational challenges to produce lifelike, engaging content81. A collaborative, interdisciplinary effort combining computer science, education, and museum expertise is essential for success. Virtual heritage supports learning beyond traditional settings, making cultural education accessible and engaging, thus promoting curiosity and critical thinking47. Additionally, VR uniquely captures and conveys the complex aspects of culture, such as oral histories and traditional performances, safeguarding human creativity and identity82.

Fig. 3
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Thematic structure of research on immersive technologies for cultural heritage preservation based on co-word analysis.

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The co-word analysis identified four interrelated clusters in immersive technologies for cultural heritage. Cluster 1 (Immersive Tech Shapes Future Cultural Heritage) and Cluster 4 (Immersive Digital Heritage Education and Engagement) emphasize VR, AR, and MR for engagement, storytelling, and education, indicating a shift toward immersive learning. Cluster 2 (3D Scanning and Modeling for Heritage) and Cluster 3 (AI-Driven Innovations in Archaeology and Digital Cultural Heritage) highlight the integration of AI, photogrammetry, and remote sensing for artifact classification and predictive conservation. These overlaps suggest a move toward interdisciplinary, user-centered approaches, bridging technology, heritage conservation, and public engagement to enhance scalable, automated preservation strategies.

Table 5 summarizes the findings from the co-word analysis on the use of immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation. The table includes the following information for each cluster: the assigned title, the count of keywords within the cluster, and a selection of representative keywords that capture the core concepts and themes of the cluster.

Table 5 Co-word analysis on immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation
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Discussion

Integrating advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, AR, VR, and 3D modeling into cultural heritage preservation marks a significant theoretical advancement, signaling a shift towards predictive, analytical models of preservation. For example, machine learning algorithms are used to predict the deterioration of cultural heritage sites based on environmental data, illustrating a move towards preventive conservation83. Similarly, AR enhances the educational experience by overlaying historical context onto current scenes, deepening engagement and understanding of historical sites.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is also emerging as a key theme, merging computer science, archaeology, and museum studies to enrich cultural heritage theory. This is exemplified by the integration of 3D scanning with Building Information Modeling (BIM) for documenting historic buildings, where studies like that of67 show how combining geometric and semantic information can improve management and understanding of historic structures. Furthermore, the adoption of digital methodologies is evolving the theoretical frameworks within the field. The digital reconstruction of ancient manuscripts using 3D imaging not only helps preserve these fragile items but also facilitates deeper analysis by revealing details unseen by the naked eye25. This application advances theories in textual analysis and digital humanities, demonstrating the potential of digital tools to enhance our understanding of historical texts84. The movement towards digital integration in cultural heritage preservation encourages a holistic approach, combining physical preservation with digital representation and interpretive accessibility. This requires professionals in the field to possess a blend of technical and humanities skills, supporting a comprehensive approach to preserving and interpreting cultural heritage.

The research findings offer concrete guidance for cultural heritage professionals, policymakers, and technology developers seeking to leverage immersive technologies for preservation and public engagement. The bibliographic coupling analysis provides a roadmap for implementing advanced technologies in various aspects of cultural heritage management, from conservation planning to visitor experience enhancement. For example, the use of predictive analytics and remote sensing techniques (Bibliographic Coupling Cluster 1) can inform data-driven conservation strategies, enabling proactive maintenance and risk mitigation. Cultural heritage sites can adopt these technologies to prioritize interventions, optimize resource allocation, and develop sustainable preservation plans. Moreover, the practical application of these findings can lead to significant advancements in the way cultural heritage sites are managed and conserved. By integrating digital documentation methods such as LiDAR scanning with conservation efforts, heritage professionals can gain a more accurate understanding of the preservation needs of these sites, enabling more effective and sustainable conservation strategies85. Furthermore, the application of AR, VR, and MR technologies (Bibliographic Coupling Clusters 2, 3, and 4) holds significant potential for enhancing visitor engagement and learning outcomes in museums and heritage sites. Cultural institutions can draw upon the design principles and evaluation methods discussed in these clusters to create immersive, interactive experiences that deepen public understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage. The co-word analysis also underscores the importance of collaboration among heritage professionals, technology experts, and local communities in the successful implementation of immersive technologies (Co-word Cluster 1). Policymakers and funding agencies can support such collaborations by providing resources and incentives for interdisciplinary projects that address the technical, financial, and organizational challenges identified in the literature.

Conclusion

The extensive analysis of immersive technologies in cultural heritage preservation, incorporating both bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis, provides a comprehensive overview of the field’s trajectory. Bibliographic coupling revealed five distinct research clusters, focusing on the integration of technologies like AR, VR, and 3D modeling with traditional preservation methods. These clusters address various aspects such as predictive analytics, revitalization of cultural heritage through immersive technologies, and advanced documentation techniques. Co-word analysis identified key themes, including the impact of immersive technologies on the future of cultural heritage, the significance of 3D scanning and modeling for documentation, AI-driven innovations in archaeology, and the application of immersive technologies in education and engagement. This synthesis indicates that the future of cultural heritage preservation will likely rely on a multidisciplinary approach that merges technological innovation with cultural insights to foster engaging, sustainable, and effective strategies.

However, the study has limitations, including potential biases from the selection of specific keywords and databases, and a focus on published research that might overlook insights from other sources like conference proceedings and gray literature. Meanwhile, this study focused on bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis to identify thematic trends and research directions in immersive technologies for cultural heritage preservation. While analyzing prolific authors, leading institutions, and research collaborations could provide insights into academic influence and institutional networks, this study primarily focused on thematic trends using bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis. The inclusion of author and institutional analysis would require a separate scientometric approach, such as co-authorship and institutional network mapping. Future studies could extend this analysis to explore how institutional collaborations shape research directions and influence knowledge dissemination in the field. Despite these limitations, the findings lay a groundwork for future research, suggesting the need for empirical studies on the long-term impacts of these technologies on preservation outcomes. Future research should also address the ethical and social implications of using immersive technologies in cultural heritage, exploring issues such as data privacy and cultural appropriation. Additionally, exploring technological synergies with emerging fields like IoT, blockchain, and 5 G could unveil new opportunities for enhancing preservation efforts, offering possibilities for real-time monitoring, secure data management, and improved access to cultural resources.