A GIS-Based Digital Documentation Protocol for High-Resolution Documentation of Paleolithic Sites

Abstract

Digitization of excavation recording can be a means to improve efficiency and accuracy of archaeological documentation on site. In the publications of the last decades, numerous different methodologies and various technical solutions have been presented. In this regard, this paper presents an approach to digital documentation developed for the excavation of the Upper Paleolithic site of Bad Kösen-Lengefeld based on the documentation requirements of the heritage administration of Saxony-Anhalt. The approach uses orthophotos from structure-from-motion processing for find proveniencing in a GIS system. Data is manipulated on tablet PCs and transferred via an on-site Wi-Fi network to a PostGIS database. The individual components of the system are listed, and their interplay in the recording system is described. The experiences in using the system at the site of Bad Kösen-Lengefeld are presented. The system improved accuracy of recording, reduced transcription errors and mistakes by the excavators, and reduced post-processing time. Also, main problems like adverse conditions on site such as heat and dust have been taken to account. Finally, the paper also provides an outlook on potential changes and improvements to the system. These include the use of rugged devices and the implementation of Python scripting for streamlining of data-processing.