Digital Archaeology Research Articles

Crafting Digital Experiences: Embedding Human-Centred and Participatory Design into Archaeological Practice

As digital archaeology has grown as a field of practice, so has the number of digital resources developed for specialists and non-specialists alike. However, the creation of such outputs has not always been accompanied and informed by design theory and practices. Design – used in its broadest definition as a process of conceptual making - is an integral, if often implicit, part of archaeological practices and it is through design that we develop and share our work – from data collection and analysis to interpretation and dissemination – and engage with our stakeholders. Engaging with core design practices offers meaningful opportunities for generating new forms of archaeological knowledge production and sharing, as well as creating digitally mediated experiences that are not guided by our own assumptions about our stakeholders’ needs and can really affect people’s engagement with the past. In this paper, I investigate the benefits of embedding Human-Centred and Participatory Design into the archaeology and heritage sectors to create more critically engaged digital encounters with the past.

A Digital Archaeology of Early Hispanic Film Culture: Film Magazines and the Male Fan Reader

As a sociologically-oriented study, this project contributes to an archaeology of cinema fandom broadly, and early Spanish fan culture specifically, by spotlighting male readers of popular film magazines. Taking as an exploratory case study reader interactivity with the magazine Popular Film, analysis of correspondence and published photos of readers participating in reader contests demonstrates that the magazine’s cinema fan base was composed of a strikingly large proportion of readers who were male and that these were ardent enthusiasts of celebrity consumer culture. This is a notable contradistinction to the widely-held idea of the star-struck female movie fan. Methodologically, in conducting this study we reflect on the challenges of digital approaches to historical periodical research, where particular challenges are posed when working with magazines in a non-anglophone language, and when there are few baseline studies to rely on to guide and contextualize patterns picked up through strictly macro methods. We advocate for the affordances of a mixed macro-micro approach that combines distant reading with traditional textual studies of close reading. By adopting such a hybrid framework, digital methods provide new opportunities towards reconstructing profiles of magazine readerships and to unearth evidence of male movie fans in Spain.

The new digital archive at the Neanderthal Museum

The management and publication of digital data on online repositories constitutes a task that is becoming more and more relevant for museums and cultural heritage institutions alike. Not only is it important to archive the growing volume of data produced on a daily basis, but also to make this data available and reach out to old and new audience targets, such as fellow researchers, students, enthusiasts, in new and meaningful ways. The Neanderthal Museum, since two decades engaged in the development and establishment of a diversified digital offer, profiting from the recent completion of the DISAPALE project and its hundreds of newly scanned 3D models, has created a brand new online portal, planned as the core of its digital activity. The history of development (specifically the NESPOS portal), the issues encountered in the planning and realization phases (e.g. requirements for efficiency and long-term maintainability, freedom from previous dependencies on proprietary software), as well as the design decisions and technical solutions are critically discussed, highlighting strengths, weaknesses and possible future improvements. An introduction to the client-server architecture is provided, detailing the development of the back-end using a lightweight Java server component with integrated PostgreSQL relational database and the user-facing front-end built with modern web technologies to create a tailor-made, flexible and clutter-free web application. Finally a short look at the current status of scientific enterprises in digital archaeology is given, with a specific focus on the entanglements between museums, cultural heritage institutions and government entities.

MOvEIT: a Proof of Concept of a Road Graph for Late Antique Egypt

In the context of the fruitful collaboration between PAThs, an ERC-funded project, and LAD, the Laboratory for Digital Archaeology at Sapienza University of Rome, an experimental attempt to link between them places being described by the Archaeological Atlas of Coptic Literature developed into a road graph for Late Antique Egypt.Desktop GIS software has been used to build and update the graph by following different sources and methodologies, and the resulting data have been published online as open access (https://paths-erc.eu/moveit/ ). A single-page application was built and is available to provide a graphical user interface to access the data and use the graph to calculate directions from one place to another. The project is opened and shared with the broad community of scholars for further development.

Teaching Virtual Forensic Anthropology Labs: Methods and Reflections

Development of virtual labs for Forensic Anthropology was complicated by the notion that the skeleton cannot be learned without physical manipulation. This was addressed by using free programs to teach using 3D models of bone. Successes and shortcomings are discussed based on student and educator feedback. Integration of 3D models in teaching is plausible as it reduces deterioration of specimens and increases accessibility of the lab, however, the ethics of digital archaeology, including curation of human skeletal models, is an unsolved challenge. Overall, although 3D modelling cannot replace hands-on learning, teaching virtually can indeed ensure high-quality instruction is delivered.

Digital Rock Art: beyond 'pretty pictures'.

The term 'Rock Art' is loosely used in this article to refer to prehistoric carvings and paintings. Rock art research has changed profoundly in the last two decades. Partly, this is due to the introduction of more 'scientific' methodologies such as digital recording, to overcome the subjective nature of analogue documentation methods. Digital recording offers not only 'pretty pictures' but more immediate and quantifiable datasets and methods of analysis. As a result, new research implementing complex, multi-scalar and inter-relational analyses, which do not focus solely on the motifs or the landscape location, but encompass many variables of the rock art assemblages, have been successful in bringing rock art to wider narratives of prehistory. This article reflects on the interaction between rock art and digital archaeology, considering how the application of digital resources has changed the way we think, record and conduct research in this field. It will be illustrated by two main case studies from Iberia: Schematic Art in its painted form, and Atlantic Rock Art, a carving tradition.

TAssembly: Data-driven fractured object assembly using a linear template model

Fractured object assembly is a fundamental problem across many disciplines such as digital archaeology, accident recovery, paleontology, cranio-facial and orthopaedic surgical repair, and many more. With advances in 3D acquisition devices and improved fidelity models of fractured pieces, a flurry of semi-automatic and automatic computational assembly solutions have been developed. These methods have the potential to reduce human labor in assembling fractured objects. The challenge is to balance the time efficiency with the fidelity of the reconstructed assembly. This paper introduces TAssembly, a data-driven approach to fractured object assembly. TAssembly leverages learned feature descriptors of the underlying objects. Its assembly pipeline seamlessly integrates multiple objective terms, including feature matching, rigid matching, and regularization for matching and stitching adjacent pieces. Many experimental results show that TAssembly significantly outperforms previous fractured object assembly methods.

Digital heritage and archaeology in practice

Digital heritage and archaeology in practice comprises two companion volumes: Presentation, teaching, and engagement (from here on, PTE) and Data, ethics, and professionalism (DEP). The chapters present some of the outputs of the Institute for Digital Archaeology Method and Practice, based at Michigan State University and funded by the National Endowment for Humanities Institutes for Advanced Topics in Digital Humanities programme.

A Pedagogical Approach Using Digitalization and Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) for a New Practice in Architecture and Archaeology

In the past years, architectural heritage was represented and described through 2D plans, sections, perspective drawings, pictures, and texts. But, in the last decades, with the development of digital tools such as 3D scanner laser and photogrammetry, new technologies have been introduced in the digital survey of architectural heritage and 3D modelling. In this regard, we noticed that students, architects, and archaeologists still do not use photogrammetry and lasergrammetry in their work. Some of them found those methods difficult and expensive. This paper aims to describe a methodology of digitizing architectural artefacts based on digital tools such as photogrammetry and lasergrammetry that allows representing realistic and accurate 3D models and then to explain the steps that lead to introducing photogrammetric model from Autodesk recap photo software in the Autodesk Revit software to have a Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) project that is useful for architectural intervention on cultural heritage using digital platform allowing multidisciplinary collaboration in architectural projects. The field of experimentation is our teaching courses with the students at the national school of architecture and urban planning in Tunisia in different sites. The student’s results are promising in the new practice of Digital Architecture and Digital Archeology and the HBIM can be a conception aid design.

:Preserving Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age: Sending Out an S.O.S.

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Digital archaeology today: achievements and challenges

Over the last decade, the active use of various computer methods and digital technologies has had a profound impact on modern archaeological research. New methods of field recording have emerged, and modern tools such as laser total stations and scanners, GNSS receivers and unmanned aerial vehicles have become firmly embedded in archaeological practice. A whole trend of the Digital Archaeology has emerged within the framework of which many archaeologists are working. It seems relevant to summarize some of the results of the development of digital archaeology over the past decades and to highlight the main trends in the modern use of a number of technological techniques that have significantly affected the image of archaeological research at this stage. The article highlights the main methods and approaches in digital recording, analysis and visualization of archaeological information: geographic information systems, digital archives and databases, field electronic diaries, photogrammetry and laser scanning methods of different spatial levels, as well as the first steps in the use of artificial intelligence in archaeological practice. Such an overview, although limited, covers for the first time all the major trends in digital archaeology of the last two decades. In addition to the achievements that are certainly present in the works cited, the author pays special attention to some of the challenges that arise in the process of implementing digital archaeology in everyday archaeological practice.

Combining Remote Sensing Approaches for Detecting Marks of Archaeological and Demolished Constructions in Cahokia’s Grand Plaza, Southwestern Illinois

Remote sensing data are increasingly being used in digital archaeology for the potential non-invasive detection of archaeological remains. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the capability of standalone (LiDAR and aerial photogrammetry) and integration/fusion remote sensing approaches in improving the prospecting and interpretation of archaeological remains in Cahokia’s Grand Plaza. Cahokia Mounds is an ancient area; it was the largest settlement of the Mississippian culture located in southwestern Illinois, USA. There are a limited number of studies combining LiDAR and aerial photogrammetry to extract archaeological features. This article, therefore, combines LiDAR with photogrammetric data to create new datasets and investigate whether the new data can enhance the detection of archaeological/ demolished structures in comparison to the standalone approaches. The investigations are implemented based on the hillshade, gradient, and sky view factor visual analysis techniques, which have various merits in revealing topographic features. The outcomes of this research illustrate that combining data derived from different sources can not only confirm the detection of remains but can also reveal more remains than standalone approaches. This study demonstrates that the use of combination remote sensing approaches provides archaeologists with another powerful tool for site analysis.

Developing Access to Digital Archaeology Data Resources in Ireland

This article aims to summarise the current situation regarding digital archaeological archives in Ireland.

Spatial Digital Archaeology and History in Israel

This special issue of JJAR is largely a result of a workshop on digital spatial archaeology conducted in the National Library of Israel in 2021 in the wake of the establishment of two cutting-edge national knowledge centers for the history and heritage of Jerusalem and its environments.

Retracted] Wireless Intelligent Sensor Network in Dynamic Environmental Monitoring of Archaeological Excavation Site

This paper intends to apply the Intelligent Wireless Sensor Network (IWSN) to the archaeological excavation site and make the dynamic site of archaeological excavation can be monitored intelligently in real‐time. This paper firstly discusses the structure and function of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). Secondly, according to the problem of limited dynamic monitoring of WSN, an IWSN is established. The dynamic environmental monitoring of archaeological excavation sites is achieved by using Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing technology combined with IWSN. Finally, this paper analyses the environmental monitoring results of the archaeological excavation site, the dynamic environmental monitoring location of the archaeological excavation site of the IWSN, and the simulation results of the Intelligent Wireless Sensor Network‐Geographic Information System (IWSN‐GIS) in the dynamic environmental monitoring of the archaeological excavation site. The results show that the Inverse Distance to a Power (IDP) algorithm in temperature and humidity monitoring data on the overall downward trend, the algorithm performance is relatively stable, and the algorithm performance is better than the other two algorithms. The monitoring performance of IWSN‐GIS system is better than that of IWSN system. It shows that with the increase in the communication distance of sensor nodes, the relative error of different monitoring systems for the dynamic monitoring position of the archaeological excavation site is decreasing. IWSN‐GIS can monitor the environment before, during, and after the archaeological site. This paper realizes the intelligent, scientific, and technological archaeology of archaeological excavation through IWSN, GIS, and remote sensing image technology, and provides technical support for digital archaeology in archaeological research.

Digital Archaeology, Cyber-Archaeology and Archaeogaming: Possibilities for a Discipline Facing the Digital World

Digital Archaeology, Cyber-Archaeology and Archaeogaming: Possibilities for a Discipline Facing the Digital World

Preservasi konten fisik dan digital pada perpustakaan perguruan tinggi

Background. The development of information technology encourages university libraries to apply it in library activities. The purpose of this study is to analyze how physical and digital content is preserved in university libraries.Methodology. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis. Data collection techniques are carried out by literature review / literature study related to the preservation of physical and digital content in college libraries. Data analysis was performed by criticizing, comparing, summarizing, and gathering (synthesizing) some literatures. Thus, the method used in this paper is literature study with an emphasis on peeling, summarizing and collecting literature, then analyzing the data that has been collected.Results and discussion. In university libraries, efforts to preserve the value of information so that information can be used for a relatively longer period of time and avoid damage to digital or electronic collections requires strategies to be carried out in carrying out physical and digital content preservation activities. Strategies that can be carried out by higher education libraries in preserving physical and digital content are 1) Technology Preservation; 2) Refreshing or Updating (Refreshing); 3) Migration and Reformating (Migration and Reformating); 4) Emulation (Emulation); 5) Digital Archeology; and 6) Digital to analogConclusions. College libraries have carried out physical and digital content preservation activities in the current era. Although there are still some things that need to be improved and improved in the future.

What Makes the Identity of a Scientific Method? A History of the “Structural and Analytical Typology” in the Growth of Evolutionary and Digital Archaeology in Southwestern Europe (1950s–2000s)

Usual narratives among prehistoric archaeologists consider typological approaches as part of a past and outdated episode in the history of research, subsequently replaced by technological, functional, chemical, and cognitive approaches. From a historical and conceptual perspective, this paper addresses several limits of these narratives, which (1) assume a linear, exclusive, and additive conception of scientific change, neglecting the persistence of typological problems; (2) reduce collective developments to personal work (e.g. the “Bordes’” and “Laplace’s” methods in France); and (3) presuppose the coherence and identity of these “methods” over time. It explores the case of the “Structural and analytical typology” method, developed in France, Spain, and Italy from the 1950s to the 2000s by Georges Laplace and his collaborators for lithic implements. This paper (1) provides a detailed historical account of the evolving content of this collective endeavour over five decades; (2) it addresses the epistemological question of what makes the identity and unity of a scientific method, demonstrating that the core component of the “analytical typology” lies in its particular way to represent real-world phenomena through its notation system; and (3) it reveals how this little known but significant episode of advances in the methods and theory of archaeology, contemporary but independent of the “New Archaeology” trend in English-speaking archaeology, was instrumental in the continuation of evolutionary perspectives in France and in the development of quantitative and formal methods in archaeology in southwestern Europe, foreseeing crucial knowledge representation issues raised today by digital methods in archaeology and data curation.

Current Digital Archaeology

Digital archaeology is both a pervasive practice and a unique subdiscipline within archaeology. The diverse digital methods and tools employed by archaeologists have led to a proliferation of innovative practice that has fundamentally reconfigured the discipline. Rather than reviewing specific technologies, this review situates digital archaeology within broader theoretical debates regarding craft and embodiment; materiality; the uncanny; and ethics, politics, and accessibility. A future digital archaeology must move beyond skeuomorphic submission and replication of previous structural inequalities to foment new archaeological imaginaries.

Do-It-Yourself digital archaeology: Introduction and practical applications of photography and photogrammetry for the 2D and 3D representation of small objects and artefacts

Photography and photogrammetry have recently become among the most widespread and preferred visualisation methods for the representation of small objects and artefacts. People want to see the past, not only know about it; and the ability to visualise objects into virtually realistic representations is fundamental for researchers, students and educators. Here, we present two new methods, the 'Small Object and Artefact Photography' ('SOAP') and the 'High Resolution "DIY" Photogrammetry' ('HRP') protocols. The 'SOAP' protocol involves the photographic application of modern digital techniques for the representation of any small object. The 'HRP' protocol involves the photographic capturing, digital reconstruction and three-dimensional representation of small objects. These protocols follow optimised step-by-step explanations for the production of high-resolution two- and three-dimensional object imaging, achievable with minimal practice and access to basic equipment and softwares. These methods were developed to allow anyone to easily and inexpensively produce high-quality images and models for any use, from simple graphic visualisations to complex analytical, statistical and spatial analyses.