Poor State Of Preservation Research Articles

Information Service Delivery and Utilisation in Selected Public Libraries in Rural Niger Delta Communities in Nigeria

The Niger Delta is a densely populated, grossly riverine terrain with people of diverse cultures and subsistence. Library services are expected to bridge the gap in access to information created by geographical barriers, and the lack of technological/digital infrastructure in rural areas to improve information literacy skillset of the locals. This study ascertains the functionality (as in the provision of information services) of the public libraries in rural areas where local patrons are supposed to enjoy undeterred library services. In conducting the study, the survey design was adopted, a questionnaire constructed and 115 library staff was drawn as sample. Based on the perception of library staff, results showed a poor state of preservation of information resources, with an apparent inadequacy. There were indications that information services are currently under-utilized by patrons based on the observed frequency of patronage. The only services offered in abundance were book borrowing and support for school reading programs. Little or no substantial career information counseling/guidance, information support for skill acquisition, Internet, e-books and agricultural extension services were offered. This may have allegedly daunted the goal of the public (rural) libraries in this region, the eagerness of locals for a possible nexus with the public libraries and have also impacted their information seeking habits. These events may have been modulated by the lack of adequate Internet facilities coupled with poor reading habits, poor electricity supply and underfunding among others. Useful recommendations like adequate funding, training of staff, how to improve information services and encourage patronage were offered accordingly.

A Geomatics Approach in Scan to FEM Process Applied to Cultural Heritage Structure: The Case Study of the “Colossus of Barletta”

Artistic, architectural and Cultural Heritage (CH) structures are often exposed to a high risk of damage caused by seismic events, natural disasters and more by negligence and poor state of preservation and conservation; the use of a series of technologies, based on digital acquisition and high-level data processing, allows the realisation of a three-dimensional model of high detail. In order to preserve structures of particular historical and architectural value, it is necessary to assess their structural stability. In addition, many structures, such as statues, have rather complex geometries. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a methodology able to transform the point cloud generated through a geomatics approach into a model suitable for FEM (Finite Element Analysis) analysis. This process, known as Scan to FEM, is addressed in this paper. The paper shows the case study of the “Colossus of Barletta”, a bronze statue dating back to the 5th century A.D. located in the city of Barletta, Italy. To analyse this structure, a suitable methodology has been developed which is based on the optimisation of the surface model of the structure; in this way, it is possible to obtain an efficient transformation from a digital photogrammetric model with complex geometry into a model suitable for structural finite element analysis. The digital photogrammetry technique was applied for the survey of the structure, which allowed us to obtain a very high-resolution dense point cloud and a geometrically accurate three-dimensional mesh model, i.e., in a TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) model. Subsequently, the TIN was transformed into a quad mesh model (identifying a suitable reduction value) and finally into NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis-Splines) to be optimised and imported into a finite element calculation software. This geomatics approach has validated an efficient Scan to FEM process; in fact, thanks to this methodology, it is possible to elaborate three-dimensional models with complex geometry and draw a series of considerations related to structural behaviour or specific restoration interventions.

Knee anteromedial compartment dissection: Final results and anterior oblique ligament description.

The anteromedial region of the knee is little explored in the literature and may play an important role in anteromedial rotatory instability. The purpose of this study is to describe a ligamentous structure in the anteromedial region of the knee identified in a series of anatomical dissections of cadaveric specimens. Twenty-one cadaveric knees were dissected to study the medial compartment. Exclusion criteria were signs of trauma, previous surgery, signs of osteoarthritis, and poor preservation state. The main structures of this region were identified during medial dissection. After releasing the superficial medial collateral ligamentof the tibia, the anterior oblique ligament (AOL)was isolated. The morphology of the structure and its relationship with known anatomical parameters were determined. For the statistical analysis, the means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables. A 95% confidence interval was defined as significant. Student's t-tests were used for continuous variables. After dissection, a distinct ligamentous structure (AOL) was found in the medial region of the knee. This structure was found in 100% of the cases, was located extracapsularly and originated in the anterior aspect of the medial epicondyle, running obliquely toward the tibia. When crossing the joint, the ligament presented a fan-shaped opening, exhibiting a larger area at the tibial insertion. The AOL had a mean thickness of 6.83 ± 1.51 mm at its femoral origin and 13.39 ± 2.64 at its tibial insertion. It had a significantly (p = 0.0001) longer mean length with the knee at 90° of flexion (35.27 ± 6.59 mm) than with the knee in total extension (27.89 ± 5.46 mm), indicating that the ligament is tensioned in flexion. A new structure was identified in the anteromedial compartment of the knee with a ligamentous appearance. Further studies are necessary to identify its importance on knee stability. This study demonstrates the anatomy of a new medial structure of the knee. As a result, there will be a better understanding of the stability of the knee.

Preservation of Information Resources in Selected Rural (Public) Libraries in Southern Nigeria: State-of-the-Art

Rural libraries serve the specific information need(s) of communities where they are domiciled. They are vital to the knowledge society, fundamental to the information access and distribution framework at the community level. Today, rural areas are almost void of crucial contemporary information-based technological infrastructure. Preservation of information resources is crucial to its sustainable utilization either for individualist or communal development. This study presents the status quo on preservation of information resources in public libraries in rural communities in southern Nigeria. The survey design was adopted; random sampling was used to draw 98 respondents, questionnaire was constructed to elicit responses with 91% returned rate. Results showed that information resources are in poor state of preservation due to deposition of particulate matter, dilapidation of library building, and mutilation. Dusting/cleaning of shelves/books and the engagement of humans to secure information resources were the most frequently used to preserve the information resources. Rural libraries lacked CCTV and no RFID installed to prevent theft. There are almost no visible digital preservation activities in place. The constraints to preservation include the obsolete nature of information resources, delay in government’s response to plea on preservation requirements, no air conditioning, poor electricity and underfunding. Staff training on preservation, workable preservation policy, increase budgetary allocation, and community awareness of use of information resources may enhance preservation efforts. Rural libraries are merely fast fading store houses of information resources with its purpose almost been defeated. There is need for urgent attention from the public and concerned agencies. Useful recommendations were put forward accordingly.

Into the Chamber of Horrors: A proposal for the resolution of nomenclatural chaos in the Scaphiophryne calcarata complex (Anura: Microhylidae), with a new species-level phylogenetic hypothesis for Scaphiophryninae.

The genus Scaphiophryne (Anura: Microhylidae) contains at least nine species that, together with their probable sister genus Paradoxophyla, form the Madagascar-endemic subfamily Scaphiophryninae. Scaphiophryne are robust burrowing frogs with explosive breeding behavior and are characterized by a unique larval morphology, being intermediate between that of filter-feeding and generalized tadpole types. Based on tadpole morphology, the nominal subgenus Scaphiophryne can be distinguished from the subgenus Pseudohemisus, a clade occurring in arid biomes with a largely unsolved taxonomy and nomenclature. Here we combine a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of all scaphiophrynines based on five mitochondrial and two nuclear genes with a re-examination of the name-bearing type specimens of the seven species-level nomina assignable to the subgenus Pseudohemisus. Our molecular phylogeny supports monophyly of the two subgenera and assigns the enigmatic S. matsoko to the subgenus Scaphiophryne. In this subgenus, our analysis confirms all currently accepted species as independent evolutionary lineages based on concordant differentiation in mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and provides evidence for a combination of low mitochondrial divergence, distinct nuclear divergence, and high nuclear heterozygosity. Yet, contrary to previous hypotheses, we do not find evidence of ongoing hybridization. In the subgenus Pseudohemisus we find support for three clearly delimited species-level lineages, one of which contains two deep conspecific lineages that warrant further study. To stabilize the taxonomy in this subgenus, and considering the very poor state of preservation of several type series and the heterogeneity of some of them, we here designate lectotypes for the nomina: Hemisus obscurus Grandidier, 1872; Calophrynus calcaratus Mocquard, 1895; Pseudohemisus verrucosus Angel, 1930; Pseudohemisus longimanus Angel, 1930; and Pseudohemisus longimanus var. melanopleura Angel, 1934. Taxonomically, we accept Scaphiophryne brevis (Boulenger, 1896) as a well-defined species; restrict S. calcarata (Mocquard, 1995) to the southern lineage of the S. calcarata complex; resurrect Hemisus obscurus Grandidier, 1872 (previously considered to be a dubious name or nomen inquirendum) as Scaphiophryne obscura to refer to the western and north-western lineage of the S. calcarata complex; consider Pseudohemisus verrucosus Angel, 1930 as junior synonym of Scaphiophryne brevis; and consider Pseudohemisus longimanus Angel, 1930 and Pseudohemisus longimanus var. melanopleura Angel, 1934 as junior synonyms of Scaphiophryne obscura. Finally, to accelerate taxonomic progress, we (i) outline a set of criteria by which such old and ambiguous nomina can be applied to known lineages, (ii) suggest that the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature should slightly broaden the conditions under which neotypes are to be designated, and (iii) propose to redouble discussions on the introduction of the concept of the epitype to zoology.

Uppermost Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous benthic foraminiferal faunas of the Weimei and the Bandingsi localities of northern and southern parts of South Tibet – A preliminary analysis

Diverse foraminiferal assemblages from the Weimei–Gyabula, and the Menkadun–Gucuo formations have been recorded based on the study of two Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous successions, respectively located in the northern and southern parts of South Tibet. Each section contains three different foraminiferal assemblages. Due to the poor state of preservation and the occurrence of long-ranged cosmopolitan species, these foraminiferal assemblages do not allow a precise age assignment for the fossil bearing strata. However, the identification of the Globulina prisca assemblage indicates a Cretaceous age for the Shale Unit of the Gucuo Formation, although the Jurassic/Cretaceous (J/K) boundary was traditionally delineated above this unit. On the other hand, the occurrence of Dorothia oxycona indicates that the uppermost Gyabula and Gucuo formations cannot be older than Aptian and middle Albian age, respectively.During the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, the northern part of South Tibet was located in a deep marine environment, probably at bathyal to abyssal depths, whereas the southern part of South Tibet was part of the outer neritic shelf environment. Typical foraminiferal associations of mildly oxygen-deficient deep-water environment and increased surface productivity have been recorded during the late Early Cretaceous. The biofacies succession indicates that the late Early Cretaceous was associated with a deepening of the palaeobasin, probably associated with a global Albian transgression.

Gotyckie malowidło z Ukrzyżowaniem w kościele Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Marii Panny w Toruniu w świetle najnowszych badań

This paper presents the results of recent studies (stylistic analysis and non-destructive testing) of the painting located in the first Eastern span of the ground floor of the northern aisle (former cloister) in the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Torun. Regardless of the poor state of preservation of the painting, of which just the general outlines are recognizable, there are two subsequent chronological layers visible, detectable also by the near infrared and UV-induced fluorescence analyses. The younger layer can be dated back to the late 14th century, which is indicated by its typology (the image of the Crucified) and by its general stylistic features rooted in Bohemian art; the older layer can be dated to the first half of 14th century. The painting made a part of decoration of the brothers’ space (with possible access of lay people). Its original function is not known. Surely, it documents the existence of the Passion cult with strong Eucharistic colouring as well as to the Franciscan observances (processional liturgy?). It also makes a proof of actualisation of the interior decor and of the transmission of Bohemian patterns in late 14th century.

POSSIBILITIES OF APPLICATION THE COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY IN THE STUDY OF SKELETONIZED HUMAN REMAINS

Introduction. The investigation is devoted to the possibility of application of computed tomography for forensic examination of skeletal human remains. Aim of study : to evaluate the CT scanning application to skeletons with poor preservation state of bone tissue; to find out the possibility to describe the traumatic lesions on bones; to examine the density of bone tissue. Material and method . The skeletonized remains of General Guden, the participant in the Napoleonic campaign of 1812 were studied by CT scanner «Philips Medical Systems». Results. Antemortem and postmortem traumas are described as well as bone tissue density. Conclusion. Postmortem tomography is the best non-invasive method to study skeletonized human remains in bad preservation state, which allows to define the antemortem and postmortem traumas.

Optimization of Method for Human Sex Determination Using Peptidome Analysis of Teeth Enamel from Teeth of Different Biological Generation, Archeological Age, and Degrees of Taphonomic Preservation.

Determination of biological sex to human remains is a fundamental requirement in anthropological, archeological, and forensic anthropological studies. Sex determination based on morphological criteria is significantly limited in the cases of juvenile remains and adult skeletons in a poor state of preservation. Regular attempts have been made to use alternative techniques to resolve this issue, including analysis of tooth enamel peptides by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Optimization of this method involving acid etching of tooth enamel for 10 min followed by desalting of the products of etching on SDB-RPS StageTips microcolumns and analysis of desalted sample (1/3) by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry allowed reliable sex determination to fossil remains within a wide range of archeological and biological ages without destructing analyzed teeth. Increasing the duration of enamel etching ensured a 2 to 3-fold increase in the total number of identified peptides and, more importantly, in the number of identified fragments of amelogenin Y isoform specific for male teeth, which facilitated reliable sex determination of fossil remains. The suggested technique was tested with 8 permanent and 15 deciduous teeth of different archaeological age and different degree of preservation. Two amelogenin Y-specific peptide sequences were identified. One of these peptides [SM(+15.99)IRPPYS)] was found in all male-derived samples without exception; the other peptide [IRPPYSS(+79.97)], which contained phosphorylated Ser66 residue, was found only in the enamel from deciduous teeth, which suggests that phosphorylation of Ser66 plays a role in the enamel formation in deciduous teeth.

An integrated approach based on archaeometry, use-wear analysis and experimental archaeology to investigate the function of a specific type of basin diffused in the Predynastic sites of lower Egypt (4th mill. BC)

This paper focuses on the functional analysis of a specific oval shaped basin diffused in Lower Egyptian Predynastic sites during the first half of the 4th millennium BC. These oval shallow ceramic basins are characterised by a flat and wide inner surface that is covered by a layer of small rock fragments pressed into the clay matrix. Several archeologists have interpreted them as grinding tools, but the limited number of samples unearthed thus far and their poor state of preservation made this interpretation uncertain. Here we present the results of a preliminary integrated study based on the combination of experimental archaeology and petrographic, use-wear and residue analyses carried out on two samples from the Predynastic site of Maadi. The use-wear analysis of the archaeological fragments highlighted traces of an intentional grinding and light pounding of oily substances, which is also partially supported by the organic residue investigation. These results were tested through experimental tests that confirmed these basins are most likely mortars.Establishing the actual functional activities performed in such a unique type of vessel is important not only for understanding the social behaviors of the Lower Egyptian Predynastic communities and the dynamics related to the diffusion of such basins, but it also provides a new methodological framework for Egyptian Predynastic studies.

Tombes à dalles néolithiques (cistes et chambres) du nord-est de la péninsule Ibérique : une vision historiographique et chronologique

Les sépultures à dalles néolithiques sont connues depuis le début du XXe siècle, tout particulièrement grâce au travail débuté par J. Vilaró et poursuivi par M. Cura, J. Castany et Ll. Guerrero. Cependant, elles ont reçu de la part des archéologues moins d’attention que d’autres structures funéraires (même si elles sont souvent mentionnées dans la littérature archéologique), ce qui est surprenant. En effet, les tombes découvertes sont nombreuses, ainsi que les parallèles avec d’autres manifestations néolithiques contemporaines ou proches dans le temps du sud de la France, du nord de l’Italie ou de la Suisse. Il s’est donc avéré nécessaire d’effectuer une série d’analyses pour améliorer nos connaissances à leur sujet. La faible visibilité de ces tombes (ou l’absence de visibilité), leur mauvais état de conservation, le manque de prospections et les dégradations dues aux remaniements des sols des zones agropastorales dans lesquels elles se trouvent, peuvent être les causes du nombre peu élevé de découvertes réalisées ces dernières décennies. L’objectif de cet article est de présenter les derniers résultats obtenus par notre équipe de chercheurs réunie autour de l’étude de ces tombes. Nous présenterons l’état de la question sur leur historiographie, ainsi que les caractéristiques qui les définissent, en partant des structures pour arriver aux personnes inhumées et au mobilier funéraire associé. Il est important d’insister sur l’existence de nouvelles datations radiocarbone et sur les analyses statistiques effectuées, car elles nous ont permis d’évaluer la distribution chronologique des tombes et leur durée d’utilisation. Jusqu’à la réalisation de ce programme de datation, la chronologie des sépultures à dalles était assez incertaine en raison du nombre restreint de dates, dont certaines obtenues à partir d’échantillons de longue durée de vie. Ces données ont servi de trait d’union pour établir des liens avec d’autres manifestations funéraires du néolithique d’Europe centrale et occidentale.

What did remain of the worn out editions? The collections of the local and foreign libraries as the base for research of the Polish popular books of the second half of the 19th century (a case study of selected religious and didactic publications)

The paper offers an insight into the poor state of preservation of the Polish popular publications of the second half of the 19th century, based on systematic queries for the new edition of the Estreicher family Bibliografia Polska XIX stulecia (Polish Bibliography of the 19th century). The queries revealed that many of the editions in question are now completely lost, and quite often the only one or two survived copies can be found either abroad or in small local libraries/museums. The discussed examples include several popular books by the Roman Catholic bishop, Szymon Marcin Kozłowski; the commonly used primer for country children (Elementarz dla chłopców wiejskich for boys and Upominek dla dziewcząt wiejskich for girls); and the religious publications of Blessed Father Honorat OMFCap (Florentyn Wacław Koźmiński). Problems with the preservation of popular books from cultural borderlands are illustrated by the case of the Lutheran catechism published by Rev. Karol Kotschy for the local Silesian evangelical community in Ustroń. Finally, a few examples of the 19th-century Polish-American mass publications are discussed.

ORAL CARE IN OSTEORADIONECROSIS OF THE MANDIBLE - CASE REPORT

Patient J.C., 37 years old and male, was diagnosed as having a poorly differentiated metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the rhinopharynx treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in 2008 with complete remission and has been in medical follow-up since then. In 2017, he attended a dentistry service, reporting the need of dental extraction. The clinical examination revealed remaining teeth in a poor state of preservation and also showed a bone exposure area, corresponding to the edentulous region of the right lower third molar, of elliptical shape and approximately 2 cm. Panoramic radiograph showed bone rarefaction in the reported region. J.C. stated that a dental surgical procedure had been performed on this area 1 month earlier. The diagnostic hypothesis was suggestive of osteoradionecrosis. Oral care protocol was prescribed, using mouthwashes with sodium bicarbonate, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, and 10-volume hydrogen peroxide. The patient was followed up biweekly, and after 4 months, the complete clinical repair was observed without painful symptomatology.

The archaeological assemblages analyzed

The corpus analyzed under this project involved 18 archaeological levels located over 16 different sites. It differs slightly from that envisaged 10 years ago, for which the initial choices of assemblages was guided by the different work, whether in progress or completed, and the different archaeological issues being addressed by the members of the research project. The study of several assemblages has since had to be abandoned, because of the poor state of preservation of the remains (Cueva ...

Kinship analysis on skeletal ancient remains: The case of “el cerro de la horra” (Burgos, Spain)

The finding of a multiple simultaneous burial often suggests a close biological relationship among the individuals. In this context, this paper focuses on three very closely interred sub-adults in the site of El Cerro (La Horra, Burgos, Spain), a pit site of the Central Iberian Plateau dated to the Middle Bronze Age, ca. 1850-1450 cal BC.In this simultaneous triple burial two of the subadults were inhumed in lateral decubitus position intertwined face to face: a 7–8 years-old infant placed on his right side (HOR 02) and a second infant, perhaps male, about 11 years old, on the left (HOR 03), keeping a purposefully symmetrical disposition. On top of these corpses, and occupying the space between them, was placed a third subadult (HOR 01), a juvenile of 11–15 years, probably female.We have selected different teeth samples from each one of these individuals for genetic analysis, with the aim of enlightening their alleged kinship relationship, which could be key in the interpretation of the site and the overall cultural practices.To perform the kinship analysis, we have extracted and amplified DNA from three dental pieces from individuals HOR01 and HOR02, and two from HOR03. The DNA markers analysed were autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs), autosomal insertion – deletion markers (InDels) and HVI and HVII regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Nevertheless, the poor preservation state of the DNA did not allow the obtention of reliable results autosomal markers. However, the mitochondrial DNA analysis provide the same haplotype to the three individuals (16298C 64T 72C, in the range: (16105–16399) (57–128)), belonging to HV0 mitochondrial haplogroup. The results point to a kinship among all the individuals through the maternal lineage.

ОБЩЕСТВЕННО ПРИЕМЛЕМЫЕ ФОРМЫ САМОРЕАЛИЗАЦИИ ЖЕНЩИНЫ В РОССИИ XVI В.

The article focuses on identifying socially acceptable (not marginal) forms of women’s self-realization in Russia in the XVI century. The author concludes that in this period, there was a diversity of such forms, both within and outside the family. The paper also reveals the mechanism of this phenomenon genesis. Scientific originality of the study lies in the fact that the mentioned problems are examined within the specified chronological framework of the XVI century, which has been beyond the scope of scientific research so far due to the poor state of preservation and discreteness of sources.

First report of Heleomyzidae (Diptera) recovered from the inner cavity of an intact human femur

One of the main characteristics of the Mafia of Gargano is their use of ritual murders: they shoot their victims in the face and then conceal the corpses in the numerous natural ravines present in the Gargano area. Skeletal remains are often recovered in a poor state of preservation under particular conditions related to the environmental situation. Humidity, temperature and environmental contaminants could be considered very important for forensic examinations and are strictly related to the bone preservation status. One of the most important analyses is the identification of the victim: the success rate is linked to the condition of the bones.During military investigations in the Gargano area, several bones were recovered and analyzed in a karst ravine about 30 m deep. The forensic examination highlighted the presence of fly puparia from an intact human femur. The colonization of the inner bone cavity by a species of the Heleomyzidae family is described for the first time. Puparia, despite not being identified at the species level, are described and illustrated and their potential role in the degradation of the victim's DNA is discussed. This work increases our knowledge about the effects of Diptera in the taphonomic process underlying the need of a multidisciplinary approach to skeletal investigations.

Radiocarbon AMS Dating of Mesolithic Human Remains from Poland

ABSTRACTBiological studies on Mesolithic human remains from the Polish region are a rare subject of scientific research due to the limited number of these relics and their poor state of preservation. From the project titled “Old material with new methods: Using the latest bio-chemical analysis in studies of Mesolithic human remains from the Polish areas,” the radiocarbon (14C) dating of bones using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) has been performed. For these experiments, the gelatin was extracted from bones, and its quality evaluated by the C/Nat ratio and the stable isotope composition of both carbon and nitrogen. The 14C results have been obtained for 11 bone samples from 5 sites, and throughout this work the results of two preparation methods are compared. The simple gelatin extraction provided material with unsatisfactory collagen quality indicators, while additional alkali treatment allowed us to obtain much more reliable, and generally older, results. Additionally, analysis on VIRI/SIRI samples were conducted to test the developed method. Only seven of the investigated bone samples yielded ages within Mesolithic period, and the most reliable dates range from 5800 to 6800 cal BC. One sample was not datable, and two were shown to be much younger than expected.

The policy of non-discrimination and the protection of minority cultural heritage in Albania

ABSTRACT This paper looks at the effectiveness of the policy of non-discrimination towards minorities in the preservation of minority cultural heritage, constructing a case study within Albania. After defining the key terms used, this paper examines the legal framework of non-discrimination towards minorities in its historical development and looks into the state of preservation of minority cultural heritage on the ground throughout the 2010s combining extensive field-work with interviews with key representatives of ethnic minorities in Albania. The poor state of preservation of minority cultural heritage is mostly attributed to under-financing and the insufficient policy of non-discrimination. As I demonstrate, in the case of minorities with a kin-state in the region, most notably Greece, as well as the heritage claimed by neighbouring states, primarily Turkey, the policy of non-discrimination and the practice of under-financing paves the way for external involvement in the protection of cultural heritage, in pursuit of international political agendas. The paper concludes that more needs to be done for the protection of minority cultural heritage in Albania.

Alcazaba of Baza (Granada) Spain, Rediscovered

The Andalusian medieval citadels are walled enclosures that, strategically placed on hills, still continue showing their defensive function inside the city and the surrounding territory. There are still good examples in the south of Spain, especially concentrated in the last territories of Al-Andalus. To the north of the old Nasrid kingdom of Granada, the city of Baza, with a brilliant Iberian and Roman past, also preserves some remains of its medieval past in its urban fabric. However, the Alcazaba of Baza, which was its main medieval architectural landmark, has suffered during the last century a lamentable process of abandonment and destruction that has almost made it disappear. Today its limits are unrecognizable and there are hardly visible parts of its walls or its towers. Anyone that visits it for the first time only recognizes a central empty space in the urban fabric. It has been mistreated by sporadic inappropriate uses, most of the time in disuse and converted into residual space of the city, a focus of marginality where it is not convenient to go. Despite its poor state of preservation, the fact of being an old military structure makes it a Historical Place of Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural–BIC-), the highest level of protection granted by the Law of Spanish Historical Heritage (1985). Since then, with greater or lesser fortune, the urban planning of Baza has recognized its values, although it has allowed lamentable interventions inside. With some more success, the current General Plan for Urban Development (2009) established, as a public free space, a scope of the Special Plan for the Interior Reform of the Alcazaba (PERICH-02) through which the protection, conservation and revaluation of the delimited space, as well as establishing determinations of use, qualification of the land and intervention criteria in its historical and archaeological heritage. The Special Plan of the Alcazaba of Baza is the result of an international contest carried out in 2007 and develops the winning proposal that dealt briefly with the values of the Alcazaba. Consequently, the regional administration competent in the protection of the historical heritage demanded that, for a correct drafting, an exhaustive study of the emergent and hidden remains of the medieval military structure should be carried out previously. From here it comes the commission that a research group of the University of Granada developed at the end of 2016 and which is the subject of this article: Combining digital technology through drones and field work, it has achieved surprising results that has been shown in several maps: an updated topographic of great precision and, what is even more interesting, a typological map at different levels that allows to establish accurate hypotheses for the future archaeological intervention and that conditions all the initial approach of the Special Plan that resulted from the contest of 2007.