300060 UE #excavation - Digital Methods and Applications at Excavations (2024S)

goals

After successfully completing the course, the students have an overview and the basic knowledge on various current digital methods used at excavations as well as on the corresponding software applications and their specifications.

content

The importance of digital methods at excavations has multiplied exponentially over the last few years, which is why they are now widely used as a standard on a variety of research and rescue excavations. In this case, the focus is not only on single aspects, such as computer-aided design, but also on content such as geodata processing and management, image-based 3D modeling and data archiving. Therefore, the course deals with various digital methods and tries to provide an overview of the multiple possibilities of digital methods at archaeological excavations. Furthermore, all content is presented in a theoretical and practical discourse with the students: the theoretical basics as well as topics like proprietary and open source software applications for the visualization and management of archaeological stratigraphies, computer-aided design, 2D / 3D photogrammetry, geo-information systems, and data management are taken into consideration. Regarding the hardware, current (satellite-based) 3D surveying instruments and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, drones) are also being dealt with. Last but not least, the integration of forms of artificial intelligence (AI) into archaeological (field) research will also be addressed.

methods

In addition to lectures by the coordinator, guided practical exercises, homework (summaries on scientific articles, software tutorials) and brief oral presentations of the acquired skills in class are performed by the students individually as well as in small groups regularly.