Digital Recording, Fieldwork and Craft at Museum of London Archaeology
Lead Research Organisation:
University of York
Department Name: Archaeology
Abstract
Through the application of digital recording technologies we create new frameworks of information by which we record and thus visualise archaeological sites, new methodologies by which we assess and understand said sites, and new lines of enquiry by which we apply said information. Existing lexicons of archaeological knowledge have been developed in-line with that of the subject, such lexicons provide the basic framework by which we label, organise, and ultimately communicate such knowledge. Prior circumstances of technological innovation within the subject (radiocarbon dating, geophysical survey, geographical information systems etc.) have initiated not only the exploration of new sources of information but subsequent revisions of the archaeological lexicon as said information is assimilated into the archaeological workflow. The provision of new sources of information, not only provide new data-points by which to assess the past, but revisions of the lexicon change the language by which we describe, communicate, and thus ultimately understand the past.
It is proposed that the development and application of digital recording technologies will likewise presage a revision of the archaeological lexicon and thus the frameworks of knowledge by which we investigate, assess, and understand the past leading to revisions not only in the archaeological/historical narrative but ultimately the theoretical frameworks by which we understand said narrative.
Such revisions not only impact upon the state of archaeological knowledge but also the structure of the Heritage Sector as a whole. As new technologies are introduced thus new skill sets are required, working practices modified, and in some cases discarded entirely; such developments in-turn inevitably have impacts upon the structure and staffing of archaeological projects, the content and emphasis of reporting and on a macro-level mark the development of wide-scale trends in the focus and subject of archaeological investigation (a self-sustaining process that interacts with, and reinforces/is reinforced by changes in the lexicon and theoretical structures of archaeology).
The introduction of digital recording technologies has to some extent already initiated such changes within British archaeology, innovative visualisations of sites and artefacts are opening new avenues of research, technical language derived from external specialisations is being introduced, and positions emphasising a background in computer programming, mathematics, and data-visualisation are increasingly becoming available within the commercial and academic spheres.
It is the intention of this research proposal to chart the cause and effect of such changes; firstly through the review of the impact of prior technologies during 1970-2000 from which a standardised framework and terminology will be developed charting key vectors, trends, and stakeholders, secondly through the application of said framework to a range of empirical and anecdotal evidence regarding the introduction of digital recording technology. The resulting data-set will be used to frame large-scale trends within the Heritage sector as a consequence of the introduction of digital recording technology, assess its usage and utilisation within the archaeological workflow, and review emergent patterns of cause and effect both within the foci of study and the structure of employment within UK archaeology.
It is proposed that the development and application of digital recording technologies will likewise presage a revision of the archaeological lexicon and thus the frameworks of knowledge by which we investigate, assess, and understand the past leading to revisions not only in the archaeological/historical narrative but ultimately the theoretical frameworks by which we understand said narrative.
Such revisions not only impact upon the state of archaeological knowledge but also the structure of the Heritage Sector as a whole. As new technologies are introduced thus new skill sets are required, working practices modified, and in some cases discarded entirely; such developments in-turn inevitably have impacts upon the structure and staffing of archaeological projects, the content and emphasis of reporting and on a macro-level mark the development of wide-scale trends in the focus and subject of archaeological investigation (a self-sustaining process that interacts with, and reinforces/is reinforced by changes in the lexicon and theoretical structures of archaeology).
The introduction of digital recording technologies has to some extent already initiated such changes within British archaeology, innovative visualisations of sites and artefacts are opening new avenues of research, technical language derived from external specialisations is being introduced, and positions emphasising a background in computer programming, mathematics, and data-visualisation are increasingly becoming available within the commercial and academic spheres.
It is the intention of this research proposal to chart the cause and effect of such changes; firstly through the review of the impact of prior technologies during 1970-2000 from which a standardised framework and terminology will be developed charting key vectors, trends, and stakeholders, secondly through the application of said framework to a range of empirical and anecdotal evidence regarding the introduction of digital recording technology. The resulting data-set will be used to frame large-scale trends within the Heritage sector as a consequence of the introduction of digital recording technology, assess its usage and utilisation within the archaeological workflow, and review emergent patterns of cause and effect both within the foci of study and the structure of employment within UK archaeology.
