enkataleiptics

The systematic study and documentation of places, structures, objects and technologies that have outlived their original purpose.

From Greek "εγκατάλειψη" (enkatáleipsi, abandonment), combined with the English suffix "-ics", denoting a field of study.

V: “Why are you trying to get into this abandoned factory?”

A: “I’m doing enkataleiptics.”

V: “Oh, is that like urban exploration?”

A: “Not quite. Urbex usually just wants moody photos - I’m trying to understand the place.”