Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Convenors:
Andrew Prentice, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
David Tafler, Muhlenberg College, Allentown Pennsylvania USA
Papers:
Interpretation and Presentation for Archaeological Sites: Creating a Balance Between Innovation and Preservation, Challenges and Benefits, Case Study: Qasr Alhallabat
Dr Yazan Safwan Al-Tell, School of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
In the 21st century, interactive media has revolutionised heritage storytelling and interpretation, providing innovative techniques that engage audiences in immersive and participatory experiences. This paper explores how interactive media—inclusive virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), gamification, and interactive digital exhibits—transforms traditional methods of conveying cultural and historical narratives. By examining case studies from museums, historical sites, and educational institutions, we highlight how these technologies enhance audience engagement, foster deeper understanding, and democratise access to heritage content. The paper also addresses the challenges combined with integrating interactive media, including issues of digital equity, preservation of authenticity, and the potential for oversimplification of complex histories. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the potential of interactive media to enrich heritage storytelling, offering new dimensions of interpretation while navigating the delicate balance between innovation and preservation.
Bridging the Past and Future: Leveraging Digital Technology for Archaeological Research, Documentation, and Public Engagement
Sumeet Jadhav, Academic Counsellor (Guest faculty), School of Open Learning, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
Dr Saurabh Singh, Academic Counsellor (Guest faculty), School of Open Learning, University of Delhi, India
The integration of digital technology in archaeology has transformed research and community engagement, opening new dimensions for preserving and understanding cultural heritage. We achieve remarkable precision when documenting archaeological sites, constructed heritage, and landscapes using methods such as 3D scanning, drone surveys, and photogrammetry. These technologies enable the construction of immersive virtual tours, allowing the public to engage with heritage sites and museum displays, developing a greater relationship to the cultural past. Furthermore, digital models and comprehensive 3D reconstructions are critical tools for academic research and long-term preservation, so promoting long-term conservation initiatives. For example:
1. Developing Virtual and Interactive 3D Tours for museums, themed exhibitions, temple sites, and archives in India, bringing history to a wider audience (Tata Central Archives, Pune, CSMVS Museum, Mumbai, and State Archaeological Dept of Maharashtra, India).
2. 3D scanning of heritage buildings and artefacts captures architectural and artistic details with precision (CSMVS Museum, Mumbai, India).
3. 3D scanning of archaeological excavation sites provides precise and thorough data for preservation and investigation (Harappan Site Rakhigarhi, Hisar, Haryana, India).
4. Anaglyph 3D digitisation of items from the National Museum (New Delhi, India) improves visual depth for viewers.
This presentation explores the intersection of technology and archaeology, highlighting the role of AI, storytelling, and digital platforms in making archaeological knowledge available without compromising academic accuracy. Our effort is to connect academics and the general people, making archaeology more accessible, interesting, and lasting for future generations.
State-of-the Art Technology in Archaeology (with Special References to the Indus Valley Civilisation)
Kaustubh Singh, Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology, Dept of Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology, Banaras Hindu University, India
In northwest India, RRSC-ISRO recently unearthed the Vedic Saraswati River’s buried paleochannels, demonstrating the revolutionary potential of modern archaeology technologies. Researchers mapped these channels through complex image processing using sophisticated GIS and remote sensing techniques, including IRS satellite data (WiFS, AWiFS, LISS-III, and LISS-IV). Satellite imagery, GIS, GPS, LIDAR, and GPR are all examples of technologies that are transforming archaeological research.
Traditional approaches to archaeological discovery can take years, but the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) has significantly accelerated processes, such as contour-map production and predictive-modelling. Realistic reconstructions of ruins are also made possible by partnerships with software-engineers and graphic-artists, opening up ancient cultures to a contemporary audience.
This paper emphasises the untapped potential of tools like IRS-P4 Ocean-Color-Monitor (OCM), which, despite being primarily an oceanic sensor, can be leveraged for archaeological purposes. Its eight narrow spectral channels, high radiometric resolution (12 bits), and large swath (1420 m) enable advanced spatial analyses such as Point Pattern Analysis, Cluster Analysis, Proximity Analysis, and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). These approaches show how advanced technology could transform the recreation of ancient histories by offering previously unseen insights into the spatial organisation and social dynamics of Harappan society.
The study calls for modernising archaeological education by integrating applied sciences like chemistry and establishing in-house labs to train versatile archaeologists and reduce the reliance on external experts and costs.
Old News, New Tricks: Using Big Data Techniques to ‘Excavate’ Archaeology in Australian News Media, 1970 to 2023
Natalie Taylor, University of Sydney, Australia
One persistent challenge facing archaeologists is the public perception of the discipline. Over time, mediums such as film, literature, television, and news media have consistently misrepresented and mythologised archaeology. Media portrayals often perpetuate misconceptions, from exaggerated tales of giants in New South Wales to the use of archaeology in reinforcing nationalist, populist, and far-right ideologies. This paper presents research conducted as part of an Honours thesis at the University of Sydney, which explores the relationship between archaeology and the Australian news media to better understand how the public perceives the discipline. A multi-scalar, multidimensional approach was employed to identify and analyse recurring tropes and misconceptions in Australian news media coverage from 1970 to 2023. Utilising Big Data Archaeology, this study applied text-mining techniques to extract insights from a large dataset of news articles. Through this analysis, I examined shifts and continuities in how archaeology has been represented in the media over time. The findings suggest that, while news coverage has increasingly incorporated diverse voices—such as those of First Nations peoples and women—there remains a pervasive focus on the mythical and sensational aspects of archaeology.