Science, Heritage, and Archaeology Digital 3D Labratory

Archaeology is destructive - from excavation, through object handling, to sampling for biomolecular analyses (aDNA, lipid analysis, radiocarbon dates and isotope data). For this reason, 'preservation by record' has become a central ethos of the discipline. Yet, archaeologists have been slow to embrace digital humanities and most records continue to be based on numerical databases or 2-D photographs, exemplified by the Portable Antiquities Database https://finds.org.uk

The Science, Heritage and Archaeology Digital 3D (SHArD 3D) Laboratory will focus on preserving bio-cultural heritage by 3D record. It will then analyse these records, using techniques such Geometric Morphometrics, to develop new understandings of biological and cultural change.

With considerable institutional investment, Exeter has been gradually building its expertise in 3D modelling, microscopy and in particular Geometric Morphometric Analysis. However, since 2018, research demand has begun to outstrip both the available space and equipment. There is an urgent need to consolidate, strengthen and sustain our research capabilities which are actively integrating archaeological science, digital heritage and other strands of heritage-based research. The SHArD 3D project comprises upgrades in three strategic areas to enhance our facilities:

1) 3D Scanning
By upgrading our 3D scanning equipment to newer systems, we will expand the size range of objects that can be scanned, providing the full spectrum from very small objects to large monumental features in excess of 160,000cm3, such as rock art, as well as excavation trenches, and crime scenes. With portable capability for in-the-field research, these scanners will assist in the recording, preservation and dissemination of heritage dataset of everything from indigenous rock art in the Americas to the creation of a 3D database of small finds for the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

2) microCT scanner
The addition of a microCT scanner will enable 3D non-destructive imaging of both external and internal features of archaeological and forensic bone, and material culture artefacts. There are few facilities in the UK which are suitable for the size range of objects required for cultural heritage collections, or which are optimised for archaeological materials research. This equipment would expedite the collection of 3D data for geometric morphometric analysis, and allow SHArD 3D to provide a new heritage facing microCT facility, the first in the Southwest, that we envisage will lead to exciting new collaborations with partners in the UK and internationally.

3) Confocal microscope
Acquisition of confocal microscope will contribute to experimental archaeology coursework and research including supporting an already-funded PhD project on human dental microwear. This will cover a range of aspects of material culture research including gross morphology and microwear studies on lithics, organic impressions, experimental archaeology, and ancient technology experimentation.

In partnership with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), these facilities will improve collections digitisation, and will represent an important step-change in the value of the PAS's 1.6 million cultural heritage finds. Partnership with forensic pathologists and commercial archaeology units also provides an opportunity to potentially support income through monetised assets.