Chairs: David BIBBY, Germany / Benjamin DUCKE, UK / Irmela HERZOG, Germany
Nowadays, the Harris diagram is by no means the only tool to record and analyse stratigraphic relationships. Sophisticated surveying techniques, CAD, and image rectification are applied to record the excavated contexts as accurately and in as much detail as possible. Laser scanning is on the increase. Based on these recording methods a 3D site-model may be constructed. In addition, GIS software is used to combine the graphic context data with the data base describing sites and individual contexts. This both simplifies inter-site comparison and greatly eases the creation of intra-site phase or selective context or feature plans. What benefits does a Harris diagram have to offer if 3D models, database-linked CAD drawings and GIS are readily available? How can we link the Harris diagram to this data and to what advantage? Has the importance of the Harris diagram in the light of modern developments diminished or in fact increased? Has it acquired a new function as a sort of “wiring diagram” or itinerary through the increasing complex GIS-CAD-3D world of archaeological recording? Can modern recording techniques and the “traditional” Harris diagram be advantageously combined to analyse the chronological sequence of a site? Archaeologists who have some experience in recording with the help of CAD or GIS tools and merging these data in some way with the stratigraphic analysis are invited to present their results. When excavating a site, decisions must be taken to delineate the contexts, but this is difficult when facing gradual changes in colour or granularity of the soil. Archaeologists applying new methods of putting the delineation of contexts on a more objective basis are asked to share their knowledge and experience and present their methods in this workshop. In addition, colleagues working with pre-matrix sites, who are trying to analyse the stratigraphic relationships based on old documentation are welcome to describe the problems and pitfalls as well as the successful routes taken towards a stratigraphic analysis of their datasets. Last but not least, all colleagues interested in archaeological stratigraphy are warmly invited to discuss any of its aspects and their experiences dealing with it.