Yearbook articles 2020

Values, Benefits, and Legacy of Archaeological Technology

Introduction

  • Advancements in technology have transformed archaeology, allowing us to uncover more about our hidden past than early pioneers like Kathleen Kenyon and Gertrude Bell imagined.

  • Today, we collect, process, and transform data into valuable information, enhancing our understanding of archaeological materials.

  • Technology plays a crucial role in visual interpretation and survey methodologies in archaeology.

Transformation of Tools

  • Traditional tools (drawing tables, plotters, measuring tapes) have largely been replaced by digital technologies.

  • Computers and digital equipment have streamlined data measurement and processing.

  • The integration of Global Navigation Satellite Systems and digital total stations has revolutionized data collection.

Advancements in Visual Interpretation

  • Comparison of past and present archaeological publications illustrates the enhancement in presentation quality due to technology.

  • Affordable color printing and digital publishing have improved the clarity and efficiency of information dissemination.

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enable the visualization and interpretation of data during processing, facilitating better insights.

Multi-light Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI)

  • RTI, developed in 2001, captures images under varying lighting to reveal details invisible to the naked eye.

  • It has applications in the documentation of artefacts, such as rock carvings in Northumbria and worked antler at Star Carr.

  • RTI allows for remote interrogation of the recorded surface details.

Automation and Data Processing

  • Technological advancements have focused on increasing data recording efficiency.

  • Automation enables quicker data interrogation, significantly reducing record time compared to traditional methods.

  • Aerial surveys have evolved from early 20th-century practices to modern drone technologies, renewing interpretation possibilities.

The Role of Interpreters

  • Regardless of technological improvements, skilled interpreters are essential for data value.

  • Interpretation of data is critical; poor methods lead to invalid conclusions ("Garbage In, Garbage Out").

  • Archaeologists, illustrators, and surveyors must adeptly operate technology and interpret the data generated.

Implications of Data Quality

  • The quality and methodical approach in data collection are paramount; poorly collected data detracts from archaeological value.

  • For instance, digital reconstructions derived from contradictory tourist photographs may lack validity as they do not offer comprehensive coverage.

Illustration in Archaeology

  • Illustration serves as a vital interpretative function; it communicates information in ways that raw data cannot.

  • Skills of illustrators must adapt to new technologies, yet the artistic interpretation remains important.

  • Traditional illustration techniques are still indispensable for conveying complex archaeological data.

Conclusion

  • Technological advancements open opportunities for data acquisition, processing, and exploration of archaeology.

  • Data must be acquired with intention, skill, and context to create meaningful records for future research.

  • The collaborative efforts of archaeologists and technologists create knowledge that enriches society and enhances archaeological practice.

Case Studies and Examples

Case Study: Beam Park Riverside

  • Geoarchaeological investigations have shown that deposit modelling is crucial for understanding buried archaeological potential.

  • The use of sediment logs from boreholes can guide archaeological strategy in complex environments.

  • Beam Park Riverside showcases how historical sediments can signify human interaction over millennia, demonstrating high potential for archaeological findings.

References and Further Reading

  • Bewley, R.H. (2003). Aerial Archaeology: The First Century. Ghent: University of Ghent.

  • Dobie, J. (2019). Illustrating the Past: Artists' Interpretations of Ancient Places. Swindon: Historic England.

  • Historic England (2018). Multi-light Imaging: Highlight-Reflectance Transformation Imaging for Cultural Heritage. Swindon: Historic England.