Digital archaeology today: achievements and challenges

Abstract

Over the last decade, the active use of various computer methods and digital technologies has had a profound impact on modern archaeological research. New methods of field recording have emerged, and modern tools such as laser total stations and scanners, GNSS receivers and unmanned aerial vehicles have become firmly embedded in archaeological practice. A whole trend of the Digital Archaeology has emerged within the framework of which many archaeologists are working. It seems relevant to summarize some of the results of the development of digital archaeology over the past decades and to highlight the main trends in the modern use of a number of technological techniques that have significantly affected the image of archaeological research at this stage. The article highlights the main methods and approaches in digital recording, analysis and visualization of archaeological information: geographic information systems, digital archives and databases, field electronic diaries, photogrammetry and laser scanning methods of different spatial levels, as well as the first steps in the use of artificial intelligence in archaeological practice. Such an overview, although limited, covers for the first time all the major trends in digital archaeology of the last two decades. In addition to the achievements that are certainly present in the works cited, the author pays special attention to some of the challenges that arise in the process of implementing digital archaeology in everyday archaeological practice.