Digitization in abandoned mine monitoring; [Digitalisierung im Altbergbau-Monitoring]

Abstract

This article examines the use of digital technologies for monitoring abandoned mines and other areas affected by historic mining activities. Abandoned mine sites can contain complex structures, underground workings, unstable ground, and environmental risks that require continuous observation. Traditional monitoring methods can be time-consuming and may provide only limited spatial information. Digital approaches can improve this situation by combining geographic information, surveying, remote sensing, databases, and three-dimensional representations. The article considers how such technologies can support the systematic collection and management of information about former mining areas. GIS provides a useful framework for connecting observations with their exact locations and for comparing information from different periods. Digital models can also make underground and surface conditions easier to document and communicate. A coordinated monitoring system can help experts identify changes, prioritize areas for investigation, and support decisions related to safety and land management. At the same time, the usefulness of digital monitoring depends on data quality, appropriate workflows, and the integration of information from different technical sources. The discussion illustrates how digitalization can turn fragmented information about abandoned mines into a more structured knowledge base. By improving access to spatial information and supporting repeated observation, digital monitoring can contribute to better risk assessment and more efficient management of mining legacies. This makes digital monitoring particularly valuable for long-term observation, where consistent information can support both technical assessment and responsible redevelopment of former mining areas.