An efficient partnership: archaeology and software development
Due to our deep involvement in the archaeological world, it is only fitting to write about the solid partnership between the field and software development. What is digital archaeology? We will respond to this question in the following rows.
Firstly, archaeology is a complex discipline with a delicate balance between science and storytelling. From one civilization to the next, archaeology brings forth hidden secrets, buried deep in the Earth.
From the early days of archaeology, specialists documented sites by hand, drawn trenches, items found during excavation. Crayons, pens and paper formed a solid alliance for years. Recordings had special places in archives and museums in physical form. When notebooks appeared, archaeologists registered their findings in early digital forms. Today, the link between archaeology and the digital world is stronger than ever.
The landscape is transforming
Due to creative web developers and archaeologists interested in performing better, digital archaeology is now the norm. Digital archaeology is a serious discipline that uses modern technology to unlock, preserve, save and share findings of the past in ways never thought possible.
In addition, archaeologists collaborate with skilled software developers to work faster, reliable and easier to share. Time to step things up in the history world.
What is digital archaeology?
In essence, archaeology in its digital form implies new technologies to discover, record, analyze, interpret and disseminate different types of archaeological data. Digital archaeology implies the use of various tools and methods. To this particular end, we could mention:
1. Geographic Information System (GIS Mapping) for mapping dig sites and different layers;
2. 3D scanning and photogrammetry for recording artefacts and various structures;
3. Digital recording system that fully replace paper forms;
4. Database management to catalogue artefacts easier and faster;
5. Web-based applications to promote collaboration and easier publication;
6. Fewer errors during archaeological project implementation.
There are many benefits from moving to digital. Some of them include reduced data loss, improved accuracy, smooth collaboration and better accessibility to data to researchers and public. Implementation is easy.
Adopting the technology during fieldwork and research lab is intuitive. Public and private archaeological institutions use digital archaeology to improve productivity and optimize costs.
18 years of experience in the archaeology world
Personalized web apps designed especially archaeology improve things even further. How? The developer will match the real needs of archaeologists with clear solutions. Newroco web development experience in the archaeology world of over 18 years of experience means amazing results.
Digital recording system (progressive web application), User management system, Knowledge hub, HubAdmin (content management system), web app to record artefact data, Time recording system (time recording for employees and project management) are some of the current technology developed by Newroco. The system proposed by Newroco fully improves archaeological work and efficiency.
If you work in the archaeological industry and you need personalized digital solutions, schedule a call with Newroco representatives. Web apps from us centralize excavation logs, artefact data, stratigraphic records, layers and spatial mapping in secure environments. Our solutions are safe and easy to use.
Many universities use digital instruments for Archaeology projects
More and more universities around the world use digital tools to conduct their activities faster and more efficiently. The shift is not a trend but a necessity. Top leading institutions use digital archaeology as for front for their research and development programs.
University of York from the United Kingdom uses Archaeology Data Service for training students in GIS, database management and digital field methods. Students use tools like ArcGIS and other custom recording apps to register excavations in real time.
University of Cambridge from the United Kingdom has a professional Department of Archaeology that fully integrates digital recording tools in field schools. Students use tablets for excavation logs, photogrammetry for 3D artefact recording and GIS for dig site analysis.
Stanford University from the United States of America hosts the Stanford Archaeology Center has digital archeology as a part of the curriculum. They offer support to projects that imply spatial analysis, online database and remote sensing.
University College Dublin (UCD, Ireland) has a Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture. Within the center specialists and students use digital tools for excavation documentation, recording, archiving, collaboration and data sharing.
These universities and many others consider digital archaeology as an essential component for great performance and cultural heritage. In addition, it serves as a training ground for the job of archeologist.
Benefits of adopting digital archaeology
Personalized workflows.
Our developers work directly with the archaeologists to design the data and form structures to match their real-life excavation process. Real needs meet clear and efficient solutions.
Data integrity
Web apps include validation rules and correlational databases to perform fast and without any errors. Nothing is lost.
Collaboration for all in a smooth manner
We provide platforms where users have clear roles edit and review data capabilities, from different locations.
Offline capabilities
Some web apps work without Internet connection in the field, synchronizing data later when access is available. Simple and efficient!
Cultural heritage and proper preservation
Digital records are archived and easy to manage. The data is safe and under strict role-based access.
Solid engagement with the public
The data has a digital form, easy to digest by the public. Most archaeological data can be shared through maps, databases and virtual reconstructions.
How Newroco supports digital archaeology?
Our journey began 18 years ago. At Newroco, you will find experienced specialists in archaeology. We create custom web applications for archaeologists, aiming to improve performance.
No projects are the same. We work closely with archaeology teams to deliver personalized solutions, perfect for their needs. Our digital solutions benefit from modern frameworks like Laravel, Vue.js, PostgreSQL, Wordpress, Drupal, Jenkins, Flutter and many others.
If you have an archaeological project that could benefit from our expertise, contact us with ease! Newroco representatives will be more than happy to discuss with you. We can built digital solutions that will enhance archaeological productivity!