Taking the Plunge: Applying Terrestrial Cyber-Archaeology Practices to Underwater Cultural Heritage Research and Conservation

Summary

The emerging field of cyber-archaeology utilizes collaborative scientific inquiry and innovative technology to advance the productivity and integrity of cultural heritage diagnostics. As digital infrastructure and imaging solutions are engineered for terrestrial sites worldwide, we stand to profit from a critical appraisal and application of similar methods to overcome the trials of underwater research. Methodologies to integrate diagnostic imaging and remote sensing systems for rapid underwater deployment must be developed to produce 3D site models as new tools for archaeological interpretation, interdisciplinary collaboration, educational outreach, and virtual cultural heritage preservation. This paper examines the unique benefits and challenges of applying cyber-archaeology practices underwater and details a proposed integration of existing technologies into a cyber infrastructure. Furthermore, we discuss a collection of proof-of-concept systems, including simple yet transformative tools that can be incorporated into standard methodologies to increase dive-efficiency and proffer a cost-effective entry point for the future adoption of extensive digital practices.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014   •
• What’s in the Toolbox? A Critical Look at Remote Sensing and Recording Systems Used for Underwater Archaeology

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-56,01