Using Computers In Archaeology And Theory

background 

researching late medieval timber frame buildings (1180-1530)

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concerned with jointing and structural techniques

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using scientific dating - dendrochronology

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recalibrating old chrono-typologies

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challenging the theory of teleological

utilising digital technologies 

collect, collate, manage, query and ultimately disseminate data relevant to the study of timber joints. Such technologies include:  Geographic

Information Systems (GIS)  Global Positioning Systems (GPS)  Database Management Systems (DBMS)  3D modelling  online backups

hampshire 

imaging space through cartesian mathematics has great value for geodatabases and spatial data

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108 dendro-dated properties

spatial queries 

change and add layers of content

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display queries created in access visually and spatially

buildings with the gothic arch prior to westminster palace

science vs. theory vs. science 

knowledge is data yet “data are different from knowledge” (Curtis 2005, 19)

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data are truths and beliefs

truths

data

beliefs

science vs. theory vs. science 

the management of the data exists outside both science and theory, it is the application that can inform both

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“let the data speak; see what it has to say” (J Schofield 1999)

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neutral philosophical ontology vs. computing ontologies

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“we become what we behold that we shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us” (M McLuhan 1964, xi-xii)

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what we create in digital form becomes

visualising data 

“seeing is forgetting the name of the thing one sees” Paul Valéry (1871-1945)

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“data graphics visually display measured quantities by means of the combined use of points, lines, a coordinate system, numbers, symbols, words, shading and colour” (Tufte 2001, 9)

visualising data Is this the face on Mars?

Or is this ? 

10101010100101 01010101010100 00010101011011 00110110101010 10001101010101 01010110101010 10101010101010 01101011101011 11000000000000 (NASA, 1976 + 2001) 11

visualising data 

Tufte argues that “a graphic does not distort if the visual representation of the data is consistent with the numerical representations” (Tufte 2001, 55)

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we depict ‘time’ and ‘space’ as cartesian coordinates that portray a false ‘boundedness’ in a virtual world devoid of culture

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“it is a looking glass into a mathematical

the flagellation of christ piero della francesca fl.1455-60 an example of the application of cartesian geometry to the depiction of space and linear perspection in art, showing the authenticity debate is nothing new

re-present not represent 

in wishing to remain outside the issue of a ‘sense of place’ I have chosen to represent the joints devoid of a virtual context

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In virtual space, using 3d studio max, I can use real measurements

What is 3d? is this 3d

or is this?

What is 3d? 

it is not being bounded by 2d space

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it is not the ability to be imaged in one of many planes

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is it then the ability to interact with and manipulate the viewing angle?

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If it is, then does it not then become 4d?

what is 3d? showcasing adobe 3d and microsoft photosynth

Adobe Acrobat Document

photosynth

dissemination 

online website and ADS archive

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mobile phones with internet connection, and/or, data cards

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portable media devices

Field uses 

other researchers

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conservation officers

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construction industry

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building owners

what have i learnt? 

that the phrase ‘digital technologies’ is not enough – it’s ‘emerging digital technologies’

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you have to plan for the future

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nobody wants to share 

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backup then backup again!

Supervised by Prof. Tom Beaumont James, Dr Keith Wilkinson, Dr Amanda Richardson and Mr Edward Roberts