Monitoring Heritage Buildings with Open Source Hardware Sensors: A Case Study of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

: A number of physical factors can adversely affect cultural heritage. Therefore, monitoring
parameters involved in the deterioration process, principally temperature and relative humidity,
is useful for preventive conservation. In this study, a total of 15 microclimate stations using open
source hardware were developed and stationed at the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, which is
registered with UNESCO for its outstanding universal value, to assess the behavior of interior
temperature and relative humidity in relation to exterior weather conditions, public hours and
interior design. Long-term monitoring of these parameters is of interest in terms of preservation
and reducing the costs of future conservation strategies. Results from monitoring are presented to
demonstrate the usefulness of this system.