76011 - Multimedia Technologies in Archaelogy

Learning outcomes

This course’s main outcome is the knowledge of computer technologies used in archeology in the various application fields that make up the complex process that takes the information linked to archeological data from prospecting techniques to the dig, to cataloging and restoration as well as placing items in a museum. The use of this extensive digital technology in each of these steps is such that its application to archeology is today a systematic process of integration and networking among the many multimedia technologies based on object oriented, web- based platforms, organized by a server and in various data formats (XML, JavaScript, KML etc.). By the end of this course, students will be able to manage this complex technological process, have an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of digitally representing archeological data in various formats as well as an understanding of the techniques and protocols of transformation, representation, transmission and communication of archeological data. The students will also have the correct strategies and practical ability that they need to actively participate in the planning and creation of a server-web archive system and multimedia representation of archeological data.

Course contents

This course will be divided into two parts.

The first part will be dedicated to the technology and modern methods of documentation used in archeological research (Mapping, GPS, Total Station, Laser Scanner, principles of photogrammetry).

The main difficulties linked to documenting an archeological context will be presented with a particular focus on the variety of topographic documentation based on the various types of contexts (territorial, urban, building complexes, archeological sites).

There will also be quite a bit of attention given to the problems connected to the documentation techniques of urban archeology, distinguishing between preventative and emergency archeology. The main ways to create a data bank (GIS) that is accessible not only to researchers of other disciplines, but also to those who safeguard, promote and govern the area will also be explained.

In the second part, some specific technologies will be looked at while examining some case studies.

In particular, the problems linked to cartography, geo-referencing in various systems and the organizational system of data banks (GIS) will be examined.

Furthermore, the main methods for elaborating 3D models from a point cloud acquired both with a laser scanner and with digital photogrammetric methods (Image Based) will be explained.

Lastly, the difficulties of organizing and managing data within the 3D models with BIM systems will be looked at.

Readings/Bibliography

Besides the notes of the lessons, to prepare for the exams students must be familiar with the following texts:

E. Giorgi (a c.), In profondità senza scavare. Metodologie di indagine non invasiva e diagnostica per l'archeologia (Groma 2/2009), Bologna 2009

(in particular parts: 3. Topografia per l’archeologia; 4. Topografia per l’archeologia. Schede; 7. Gestione dei dati per l’archeologia; 8. Gestione dei dati per l’archeologia. Schede e il capitolo 5.1. Introduzione alla Geofisica per l’Archeologia);

S. Campana, R. Francovich, Laser scanner e GPS: paesaggi archeologici e tecnologie digitali 1, atti del workshop, 3 marzo 2005 Grosseto, Firenze 2006

(One non-fiction book of your choice among the ones included in this volume)

Given the organization of the course, all students are advised to attend lessons.

Th students that cannot attend the lessons must be completely familiar with the two volumes cited above in the bibliography.

Teaching methods

The lectures will be similar to labs, designed to stimulate discussion and with many examples (also with the use of topographic and computer instruments and the involvement of colleagues who are experts of the various techniques). Also a few brief readings will be assigned which should be referred to in a critical manner by the students (small critiques).

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning for students who attend the course will also focus on the evaluation of active participation in discussions and classroom teaching.

The final mark will be established by means of an oral exam in which at least three questions will be asked concerning the main topics dealt with during the lessons:

1. Technologies and methods for the documentation and enhancement of archaeological sites also through multimedia systems and GIS (taken from case studies presented in class);

2. Tools for the traditional and three-dimensional documentation of archaeological contexts (Direct survey, GPS, Total Station, Laser Scanenr, Photogrammetry);

3. A brief oral discussion will also be part of the final examination which will focus on the topics of the methodological article reviewed (as indicated in the description of Teaching Methods).

For the purposes of passing the exam, the student must demonstrate that he has understood the topics covered, being able to identify the methodologies suitable for the different archaeological contexts proposed using the appropriate terminology of the discipline.

Teaching tools

Over the course of the lessons, power point presentations will be used as well as illustrative materials and archeological instruments of various kinds (topography, computers, etc…).

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Giorgi