Published: 2019-12-151

The history of digital methods in archeology (1951–1999)

Bogdan Bobowski
Echa Przeszłości
Section: ARTICLES
https://doi.org/10.31648/ep.4827

Abstract

The first digital applications in archeology emerged more than 50 years ago. The immense potential of digital methods and specialist applications in archeology was first recognized by Brainerd and Robinson in 1951, the French researcher Ihm and Italian researchers Gardin and Garelli in 1958-1959. In the United States, digital computation methods were first applied in archeological research by James Deetz in 1960. Digital techniques were first used for statistical analyses, classification of moveable historic objects and heritage assets, analyses of settlement networks and geometric analyses of historic monuments associated with archeological documentation. At the time, most archeologists regarded computers are enigmatic machines that were used only by scientists and mathematicians, and digital methods were treated with considerable suspicion or even hostility. In 1973, six articles discussing computer applications in archeology were published in Stafford. Annual meetings dedicated to “Computer Applications in Archeology” have been held since 1974. The conferences were attended by small groups of pioneers and enthusiasts who were keen on popularizing digital methods and dedicated software applications in archeology. The conferences had several goals: to provide a communication platform for archeologists, mathematicians and computer experts, to promote interdisciplinary communication, to provide support for archeologists working in the field, and to develop digital methods.

Keywords:

archeology, digital applications in archeology, digitalization, remote sensing, archeological excavations, GIS, registers of cultural heritage

Download files

Citation rules

Bobowski, B. (2019). The history of digital methods in archeology (1951–1999). Echa Przeszłości, (XX/1). https://doi.org/10.31648/ep.4827

Cited by / Share


This website uses cookies for proper operation, in order to use the portal fully you must accept cookies.