A Review of Smart City Initiatives: Assessing the Integration and Impact on Sustainable Environmental Management in Urban Heritage Sites

In the digital age, managing urban heritage sites presents unique challenges that necessitate the integration of smart technologies. This review assesses the integration and impact of smart city initiatives on sustainable environmental management in urban heritage sites. Through a comprehensive literature review of 84 papers from ScienceDirect and Scopus, this study categorizes the findings into three themes: Smart City Initiative Analysis, Heritage Site Considerations, and Smart Technology Integration Models. The review highlights the significant contributions of smart technologies, such as digital analysis, 3D documentation, and Information and communication technology, in enhancing sustainability and preserving cultural values. Case studies from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Seville, and Uzbek illustrate these initiatives’ practical applications and outcomes. The paper underscores the need for robust policies, public awareness, and multidisciplinary collaboration to maximize the benefits of smart city initiatives. Finally, the study identifies gaps in current research and suggests further research directions for integrating smart technologies into urban heritage site management.