Bridging "Nature" and "Spirit": The CRMhs Ontology for the Integration of Heritage Science and Cultural Heritage Data

Heritage Science generates vast quantities of heterogeneous data; however, the absence of a shared semantic framework frequently results in fragmented knowledge and compromised reproducibility. This paper introduces CRMhs, an ontology developed as a formal extension of the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CRM), designed to harmonise the documentation of scientific investigations within the cultural heritage domain. By defining specialised classes for scientific activities, study objects and analytical datasets, the model ensures a robust chain of provenance from initial physical sampling to final interpretative outcomes. The efficacy of CRMhs is demonstrated through its ability to successfully align diverse datasets, ranging from materials-based enquiries to environmental measurements, into a coherent and navigable knowledge graph. This approach not only facilitates seamless data interoperability but also establishes the essential semantic foundation for the advancement of Reactive Heritage Digital Twins. The model bridges the gap between raw scientific evidence and art-historical and archaeological interpretation, fostering a more integrated and sustainable approach to the preservation of cultural heritage.