K. Schaller 1 / G. Gartner 2
(1 Forschungsgesellschaft Wiener Stadtarchäologie, Vienna, Austria / 2 Institut für Kartographie und Geo-Medientechnik, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria)
ArchaeoMap – cartographic integration, visualization and exploration of archaeological data intends to analyze appropriate ways of enabling access to archaeological data within the field of cultural heritage via innovative interactive cartographic user interfaces using the web. With this, appropriate concepts of exploration and information presentation dedicated to different user groups (experts, non-experts, general public) shall be achieved. In order to meet the needs of the overall goal the analysis of the following correlating research questions in detail is necessary. For integration of existing archaeological data originating from various data bases a meta- data concept has to be developed. This concept will be the basis for describing archaeological data and its heterogeneous spatial, temporal and content-wise structure and allow further on the user-defined exploration by cartographic visualization via the web.
The main topic of research from an archaeological point of view is the integration of data coming from different data-sources and the generation of tools for graphical and spatial-related exploration.
From a cartographic point of view the challenge is to create a concept that allows new and distinct ways to access and explore information provided in databases. This is realized by dynamic generation of context-oriented maps and supply of user interfaces. Including aspects of content queries (spatial, temporal and others), used media (internet, mobile internet, LBS,…) and some user’s tasks (exploration – information).
The possible integration of multi media elements (3D-visualization, virtual reality…) for enhanced and user-optimized information transfer will be analyzed. This includes the possibility of client-based user input by experts as well as the ability to generate maps with individual content added by the user.
A modular structure (Location Based Services, Routing functionalities) shall be achieved which could enable the extension of the concept to different applications for a great variety of users. Public use of and the portability to educational and commercial purposes is within the scope of the project also.
