Cross-Reality Technologies in Archaeometry Bridge Humanities With “Hard Science”

Abstract

As an integral part of archaeology, archaeometry, employs standard laboratory techniques and ICT tools to examine and analyze art and archaeological materials. Most students involved with cultural heritage and Αrchaeology have a background in the arts or humanities and a minimal, if any, training in the principles and techniques of most natural and engineering sciences. Consequently, when choosing to be enrolled in an archaeometry course, an interdisciplinary field which also requires some background in applied sciences, cross reality labs can be the bridge between archaeology and its sub-disciplines, and “hard science.” In this chapter, the authors focus on the use of virtual environments in the digital cultural heritage field, as well as on applications of cross reality laboratories in archaeometry. Finally, they present some evidence in favor of the simulations, pointing out that VR, AR, and MR labs could train, safely and efficiently, pre-service archaeometrists in the use of specialized laboratory apparatuses and help them take advantage of the full spectrum of modern laboratory tools.