Computer Applications for Archaeology

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

The unit is based on theoretic expository lectures using dynamic audiovisual resources, having a strong practical component, through the handling of software under tutorial supervision, with the purpose of performing exercises that deal with specific problems of archaeological activity.
Considering the duration of the unit and the wide variety of existing software tools, we selected the most affordable and essential programs to a good professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to introduce students to basic concepts of Computational Archaeology and handling of some essential informatics programs for archaeological investigation, including image processing programs, computer-aided design, photogrammetry tools and Geographic Information Systems.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. The computer technology available for Archaeology. The advantages, problems and limitations. Archaeology before Informatics.
2. Creating management databases systems in Archaeology. Definition and characterization. Analysis of examples. Building a database and practice in digital registration and data management.
3. Computerised graphic representation of the archaeological record. Description of the tools available for graphical processing and improvement. Practice software for image conception, edition and processing. Archaeology, Topography and georeference. Practice of computer aided design software.
4. 3D technology: overview of the concept and beginner practice of software.
5. Geographic Information Systems applied to Archaeology. Definition and elementary procedure concepts. The historical evolution of GIS and of its use in archeology. Notions of spatial data management and archaeological cartography.

Head Lecturer(s)

Marcos Daniel Osório da Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Class participation : 10.0%
Resolution Problems: 40.0%
Mini Tests: 50.0%

Bibliography

BARTON, M. (2013) - Stories of the Past or Science of the Future? Archaeology and Computational Social Science. In Computational Approaches to Archaeo Spaces. Bevan & MW Lake: Walnut
BERNARDES, P.; MAGALHÃES, F.; RIBEIRO, J.; MARTINS, M. (2014) - Image-based 3D Modelling in Archaeology: Application and Evaluation. Conference on Computer Graphics, Visualization and Computer Vision: 159-166.
BUZÓN, C.; PEREZ-ROMERO, A.; CASTRO, J. L.; BEN JERBANIA, I.; MANZANO-AGUGLIARO, F. (2021) - Photogrammetry as a new scientific tool in Archaeology: worldwide research trends. Sustainability. 13: 5319.
ROOSEVELT, C. H., COBB, P., MOSS, E., OLSON, B.; UNLUSOY, S. (2015) - Excavation is digitization: advances in archaeological practice. Jo of Field Archa. 40: 325-346
MARSH, Zoya (2020) - Digital Archaeology: Current Techniques and Applications. Willford Press.
MÍNGUEZ GARCÍA, M. del C.; CAPDEVILA MONTES, E. (2016) - Manual de Tecnologías de la Información Geográfica aplicadas a la Arqueología. Madrid.