The transformation of the research process in history of architecture through the use of digital technologies

In recent decades, the use of digital technologies not only has transformed the way in which research on architectural heritage is conducted, but it has also expanded the possibilities of generating ever more interdisciplinary projects. The increase of the range of open tools, with more functional and user-friendly interfaces, has made possible to identify and visualise previously invisible evidence, synthesise and map temporal information and combine data
from heterogeneous sources to generate new data and hypotheses. They have also provided a stimulating setting for raising questions on buildings, cities and territory, as well as the agents interacting with them. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the change, during the process and the practice, of research on history of architecture with the use of digital technologies. To do so, we address a number of issues such as objectivism/subjectivism, data usability, project
flexibility, data sustainability and technology training and learning. Finally, after providing an example of how digital technologies can be applied to history of architecture research, we present some strategies, reflections and future lines to be pursued. These point towards
the suitability of technologies as new research tools which open possible new pathways for disciplinary collaboration, progress in analytical methods and future reflections on managing the data created.