Using values of cultural heritage as a foundation, this theme addresses the challenges that face cultural heritage management in rapid urban growth environments. Urban cultural heritage is fundamental to cities all over the world and the interpretation, management and conservation of such heritage is increasingly a matter of significant urgency for communities.
Smart Cities have tended to overlook these challenges, and in some cities, rapid urban growth can sit alongside sites of four thousand years of urban civilisation and overtake it if not properly protected and promoted. It is important that smart cities apply heritage-based planning protocols and consider how new technologies could support retaining and promoting the cultural heritage of the city locally and more broadly.