Stratgma

Stratgma is an interdisciplinary framework introduced in the mid‑2010s for analysing layered structures in urban environments. It combines principles of stratigraphy, urban planning, and spatial data science to evaluate how historical layers coexist with contemporary infrastructure. The core of the methodology is the stratgmatic index, a metric that measures coherence between archaeological strata and modern development. The name derives from the Greek word στρατηγία (strategy) and the English suffix –gram, suggesting mapping and analysis. Stratgma was first presented by Dr. Elena Kovács at a 2015 convention on urban heritage and has since been applied in case studies across Athens, New York, and Lagos. The process involves four main steps: data acquisition, layer separation, normalization of spatial datasets, and visualisation of results. It is closely related to GIS‑based techniques such as phase‑mapping. While some scholars caution that its emphasis on selected datasets can introduce bias, many publications report that the stratgmatic index helps local governments assess redevelopment impacts on heritage sites. The framework is now taught in university courses on heritage management and spatial analytics, and it continues to evolve through collaborative research.