Pushing the archaeological interpretation by analysing workflow protocols: the variable transparency image stacker and DATARCH© archaeological data management system

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of managing archaeological data in a shared 3D environment. As already published by our research group, study and analysis of workflow protocols are the basis for the development of software able to support and improve archaeological data management, by introducing new methods and tools to analyze archaeological excavations (e.g. the DATARCH “Variable Transparency Image Stacker”). The progress of Web 2.0 and shared technologies makes it possible to go deeper with this research into archaeological workflow protocols and data management, exploring 3D distributed environments and the possibility of their application to archaeology in particular. The case studies selected for this research are the recent excavations carried out by Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II in Foce Sele Hera Sanctuary and in the Cuma Forum.