Rob van HAARLEM | Egbert GRIFFIOEN
(Independent, Deventer, The Netherlands)

Keywords: GIS mapping documentation innovation

Abstract:
Most work related to an archaeological excavation comes after the excavation itself. All the data needs to be digitized, categorized and connected to the database. If something went wrong there isn’t a chance to go back in the field and excavate the location for a second time. This makes it of great importance that everything is properly documented. Most methods however don’t have the possibility to work in a GIS environment at the dig site. This creates a risk for the quality of the data.
It is possible to combine a GIS environment with the excavation data directly in the field. By using a map viewer that has a drawable layer combined with a field computer connected to a GPS or RTS all geometry’s will be visible in the field. Within the map viewer it should be able to add the data. By creating a database structure your GIS environment is completed during the excavation.
Thanks to the direct link between geometry and data, all geo-objects as described in the KNA 4.0
(Dutch quality norm for archaeology) can immediately be manufactured directly in the field. Because documentation have already been digitized in the field without additional steps being required. The result should provide a clear documentation and a time saving in the elaboration of the excavation documentation.
Besides that the software is a new way to gather information in the field, it can also be used as a tool for public outreach. Maps can be published and shared with everyone even during the excavation. Also it will be possible to add 3D models and data to your map.

Tijdlab is a company from the Netherlands specialized in 3D techniques. Together with MapGear, a
company specialised in GIS, they are developing GIS software for the documentation

Relevance for the conference: The software is a complete new way to documentate archaeological excavations. It combines also GIS and 3D models
Relevance for the session: It’s a new way to use GIS
Innovation: A complete new way to documentate archaeological excavations