Digital archaeology

Language

French

Main themes

This course explores digital methods and tools applied to the documentation, analysis, and promotion of movable and immovable heritage. It places particular emphasis on photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and scientific computer graphics as fundamental techniques for recording, interpreting, and promoting archaeological heritage. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	is familiar with the operation of the main digital tools and methods applied to archaeology;
2	is able to recognize the respective contributions of different digital tools, particularly in relation to traditional tools;
3	is able to identify the specific needs of each study project and develop the most appropriate strategy by combining digital tools and traditional approaches, in the short, medium, and long term.

Content

The course is structured around a series of themes, each of which is the subject of a general presentation and active, practical application by students, who will be introduced to the various methods presented. The topics covered, which may be expanded or revised depending on technological advances or current events, are:

• Photogrammetry, a method of image acquisition that generates measurable three-dimensional models from photographs. Students will discover the key stages of the process, from image capture to model rendering, including photogrammetric processing (alignment, meshing, texturing). Practical applications will be discussed, particularly for architectural documentation and object modeling. 
• Computer graphics applied to archaeology, covering data visualization and formatting techniques for scientific publication and heritage mediation. Students will learn how to produce vector illustrations of archaeological plans and surveys, optimize the graphic rendering of photographs, and present two-dimensional reconstruction hypotheses.  
•  3D modeling in archaeology, encompassing both the virtual reconstruction of objects and structures and the simulation of archaeological landscapes. Students will be introduced to the tools and methodologies used to produce analytical and interpretative models, taking into account reconstruction protocols, uncertainties, and levels of reliability of hypotheses. Emphasis will be placed on the distinction between realistic and hypothetical models, as well as on the criteria for scientific validation in the context of archaeological reconstructions. 
  

The course will also address methodological and technical issues related to the management and use of digital data in archaeology. The issue of the sustainability of digital data and the challenges associated with its preservation will also be addressed. 
Finally, we will reflect on the contribution of these technologies to the promotion and dissemination of archaeological heritage, in particular through the online publication of 3D models, the creation of immersive experiences in augmented reality and virtual reality, and the integration of digital data into exhibitions and museum displays. The course will put the current uses of these tools and their future developments into perspective. 

Teaching methods

This course combines theory and practical applications in a seminar format, offering students hands-on experience with the main software programs and methods used in digital archaeology research and promotion. Particular attention will be paid to the use of open-source software and content interoperability. 

Evaluation methods

Personal project to be presented in the form of a written assignment, oral presentation, and digital production. 

Online resources

An online data corpus is provided after each session, based on the subjects and topics covered.

Bibliography

Une bibliographie est proposée à la suite de chaque séance, en fonction des disciplines et thèmes abordés.  

Faculty or entity

> EHAC