Max VAN DER SCHRIEK
(VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Keywords: KOCOA, LIDAR, Modern Conflict Archaeology, The Netherlands, Second World War
Abstract:
In the Netherlands, archaeological research concerning WWII is not very well explored compared with the neighboring countries. Its key methodologies were developed already in the 1980s in the U.S.A., where both specialized field techniques (such as advanced metal detectors) and methods for analysis (like Geographical Information Systems) were administered to locate specific artefacts and to map and reconstruct military strategies and other war events. Dutch (conflict) archaeologists still need to develop, practice and reflect international developments in the subject area to learn from the experiences of colleagues abroad.
Individual archaeologists participated in the research out of personal interest and/or a particular personal commitment to the features and artefacts they came across during excavations. However, there are still large differences in the approach to the archaeology of WWII between the various commercial excavation companies, provinces, and municipalities. Even when recording has been systematically undertaken, there have sometimes been administrative, conservation, and legal difficulties in dealing with WWII conflict sites.
Modern conflict archaeology plays a vital role with regard to the preservation of these sites and relics. There are several non-invasive approaches and techniques which we can use without any juridical problems, for example KOCOA, an established approach to military analysis, and the application of LIDAR, a remote sensing technology which can provide a detailed digital elevation model of a landscape. Both can be useful tools for landscape studies and to map and better understand conflict sites. This presentation will show the benefits and drawbacks of such research conducted in the Netherlands.