Optical thin section observations represent the core empirical basis for most micromorphological interpretations at archaeological sites. These observations, which often vary in size and shape, are usually documented through digital graphic representations such as photomicrographs, scans, or figures. Due to variability in documentation practices, however, visual thin section data can be captured with a range of methods and in many different formats and resolutions. In this paper, we compare and evaluate five common image‐based methods for documenting thin sections in high‐resolution: a flatbed scanner, a film scanner, a macro photography rig, and conventional stereo and light microscopes. Through the comparison results, we demonstrate that advances in digital imaging technology now allow for fast and high‐resolution visual recording of entire thin sections up to at least ×30 magnification. We suggest that adopting a digital micromorphological documentation practice has several advantages. First, a digital thin section may be observed more efficiently and consistently, for example, on a computer screen, and the spatial configuration of large or complex features may be more accurately documented. Second, they allow for the establishment of digital repositories that may promote scientific reproducibility and inter‐laboratory communication, as well as lay the foundations for more consensus‐based educational training of archaeological micromorphology.

It is common practice today in soil micromorphology to scan slides with a flatbed scanner for slide documentation as well as for mesoscopic scale observation. However, the imagery produced by flatbed scanners often results in boundaries becoming diffuse when zooming in, a side effect of the continuously changing refraction of light caused by the moving scan head. This can be restricting or even unsatisfactory to specialists who rely on such imagery and while alternatives exist, their availability or suitability is not always guaranteed. This paper describes two variations on a static high‐resolution image acquisition method using a professional camera and common attributes of a standard photography studio. Minor postphotography processing too can be done with commonly used software packages. The presented method results in pictures with a resolution of 36 million pixels per image, providing high enough quality and resolution (approximately 4200 dpi) to allow the soil micromorphology practitioner to navigate the entire mesoscopic spectrum and as such offers a continuum of observation from the macroscopic scale to the optical microscopic observation at low (40×) magnification.

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This article provides an overview of the current state of archaeological digital archiving in Flanders (Belgium). It briefly outlines the legally defined stakeholders and actors through which archaeological fieldwork is regulated and carried out. It subsequently describes related digital documentation and archiving practices, and guidelines. This is followed by a discussion on compliance with the FAIR Guiding Principles, and the article concludes with notes on the past and future of archaeological digital archiving in Flanders.

Overview The Portable Antiquities of the Netherlands (PAN) is an online system aimed at recording and documenting archaeological finds by the public. Since PAN launched in 2016, it has become an important data contributor to Dutch archaeology, amassing over 100,000 recorded finds. These data, mostly the result of metal detection, enable scholars to gain new insights and policy makers to make more informed decisions. This review describes the context in which PAN was established, along with its current structure and scope, before looking at its different components, including the underlying database and linked data reference collection. In a final section, the article briefly addresses some common issues inherent to public reporting programs and how PAN approaches these issues.