Digitally enhanced community rescue archaeology

Abstract

Abstract-Coastal erosion is causing the destruction of archaeological sites around the world. The problem is particularly grave in Scotland, where storms can cause many meters of land to be lost in a single event. Archaeological researchers from the University of St Andrews and the SCAPE Trust have worked with community groups to excavate sites before they are destroyed. Video was used to record the progress of the community rescue digs and interviews conducted with local group members. Additionally, photographs and artwork augmented the archaeological record, resulting in a wealth of information about the sites and the process of excavation.The data has been used to make reconstructions of the sites as they were in the past. Visitors control avatars to explore the virtual worlds and to access videos, photographs, laser scans, 3D models and historic documents. This innovative approach to heritage interpretation allows the public to see the evidence behind reconstructions and to learn about the process of archaeological enquiry. For example, clicking on a plate of food reveals a summary of the environmental report which provided the evidence for diet. This allows an archaeological site report to be presented in a 3D environment, with various layers of information accessible to the explorer.The group have set up their first installation in a dedicated room at Timespan Museum, Helmsdale. The evidence for the reconstruction comes from the sixteenth century Brora salt pan, excavated between 2007 and 2011 and destroyed in a storm in 2012 as well as the neighbouring township of Caen. Users manoeuvre the avatar either through a game controller or by body gestures recognised by a motion sensor. Multiple screens have been used to present a wraparound and immersive experience. The systems are built using OpenSource software and commodity hardware. They are designed to enable content to be augmented by non-technical specialists and allows cultural organisations and their participating audiences to create professional quality immersive environments at relatively low cost, and to develop their own interpretations of history and link them to wider narratives. In this way local communities are empowered to engage in the construction and transmission of their cultural heritage.

Mobile Cross Reality for cultural heritage

“…Additionally it should be noted that the cathedral reconstruction was created with relatively powerful desktop computers in mind as the primary deployment platform and has not been optimized for use on less powerful mobile platforms such as Pangolin. Performance of Pangolin on a less graphically complex OpenSim region (Salt Pan 2 [19]), that also depicts a reconstruction of a cultural heritage site, was better at 20 to 25 frames per second at the low position and between 15 and 20 frames per second at high (see figure 11). …”

“…Collaborations between computer scientists, educationalists and historians led to the creation of the St Andrews cathedral reconstruction [15], [16] and have also led to the creation of reconstructions of; a 6th Century Spartan Basilica [17], [18], Virtual Harlem (1921), Linlithgow Palace (1561), Brora Salt Pans (1599) [19], [20], Fethaston Fishing Station (19th century), Eyemouth Fort (1610), an Iron Age Wheel House and Caen Township (1815) [21]. These reconstructions provide a platform for interactive historical narratives, a stage for visitors to play upon and engage in both serious (and not so serious) games both alone and with other users, and serve as a focal point for educational investigations into local history and culture [7], [22].…”

Enhancing Cultural Sustainability: Making Rescue Excavations Accessible through Educational Applications and Virtual Reality

“…This technology offers advanced imaging techniques that significantly improve the documentation and preservation of artifacts and archaeological features during rescue excavations. High-resolution photography, three-dimensional scanning, and photogrammetry allow for detailed digital documentation of objects, architectural elements, and even entire excavation sites [11,12]. Studies show that these advantages become particularly critical in archaeological environments facing time and cost constraints, such as in cases of rescue archaeological excavations [13].…”

“…In conclusion, technology has revolutionized the field of excavation, allowing archaeologists to collect data quickly, efficiently, and non-invasively as they are required for rescue excavation [22]. By adopting technology, archaeologists can streamline the process, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure that the information resulting from excavation is provided for future research and utilization [12].…”

Mobile Exploration of Medieval St Andrews

“…The reconstructions are based upon archaeological (Dawson et al 2013) and historical evidence (Fawcett 2011, Fawcett et al 2003, Fawcett and Rutherford 2011. They model not just the physical scenes but tangible and intangible culture, both the fixtures and fittings of everyday life and the people together with their work, songs and stories.…”