Big Data and Archaeology: Proceedings of the XVIII UISPP World Congress (4-9 June 2018, Paris, France) Volume 15, Session III-1

Big Data and Archaeology explores the recent developments in Digital Archaeology, including the advent of Big Data, databases, and theoretical archaeology. It provides examples of a multidisciplinary and integrative approach to the recording, management, and exploitation of excavation data and documents and highlights the role of neoprocessual archaeology in renewing the theoretical framework of archaeology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 106 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Archaeopress

Big Data and Archaeology presents the papers from two sessions of the 18th UISPP World Congress (Paris, June 2018): Session III-1 (CA): 'Big data, databases, and archaeology, and Session III-1 (T): 'New advances in theoretical archaeology.' The advent of Big Data is a recent and debated issue in Digital Archaeology. Historiographic context and current developments are illustrated in this volume, as well as comprehensive examples of a multidisciplinary and integrative approach to the recording, management, and exploitation of excavation data and documents produced over a long period of archaeological research. In addition, specific attention is paid to neoprocessual archaeology, as a new platform aimed at renewing the theoretical framework of archaeology after thirty years of post-modernism, and to the refinement of the concept of archaeological cultures, combining processual, contextual, and empirical approaches.

The volume also includes a comprehensive bibliography of recent publications in the field of Digital Archaeology, providing a valuable resource for researchers and students alike.

The 18th UISPP World Congress, held in Paris in June 2018, brought together experts from around the world to explore the latest developments in the field of Digital Archaeology. The conference featured two sessions, Session III-1 (CA) and Session III-1 (T), each dedicated to exploring different aspects of the field.

Session III-1 (CA) focused on 'Big data, databases, and archaeology.' The advent of Big Data has revolutionized the way we approach archaeological research, allowing us to collect, store, and analyze large amounts of data from excavations and other sources. This session explored the potential of Big Data to enhance our understanding of archaeological phenomena, such as cultural change, social networks, and material culture.

The speakers in this session presented a range of case studies and examples of how Big Data is being used in archaeological research. They discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with using Big Data, such as data quality, storage, and analysis. They also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in order to fully exploit the potential of Big Data in archaeological research.

Session III-1 (T) focused on 'New advances in theoretical archaeology.' The theoretical framework of archaeology has been shaped by post-modernism for the past thirty years, but there is a growing recognition of the need to renew and refine this framework in order to address new challenges and opportunities. This session explored the latest developments in theoretical archaeology, including new approaches to archaeological interpretation, theory building, and methodology.

The speakers in this session presented a range of innovative ideas and approaches to theoretical archaeology, such as agent-based modeling, cultural heritage management, and digital archaeology. They discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with these new approaches, such as their ability to provide more nuanced and complex interpretations of archaeological data.

Overall, Big Data and Archaeology provides a valuable contribution to the field of Digital Archaeology. The volume showcases the latest developments in the use of Big Data in archaeological research, as well as the latest advances in theoretical archaeology. It provides a comprehensive bibliography of recent publications in the field, making it a valuable resource for researchers and students alike.

The advent of Big Data in Digital Archaeology has brought about a significant shift in the way
in the way we approach archaeological research. With the ability to collect, store, and analyze large amounts of data from excavations and other sources, researchers can now gain a deeper understanding of archaeological phenomena and uncover new insights into the past.

One of the key challenges associated with Big Data in archaeology is the issue of data quality. While the amount of data available is vast, it is often fragmented, incomplete, or inaccurate. This can make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from the data and can lead to misinterpretations of the past. To address this challenge, researchers must ensure that the data they collect is of high quality and that it is properly documented and stored.

Another challenge associated with Big Data in archaeology is the issue of storage. With the amount of data being generated, it is becoming increasingly difficult to store and manage all of it. This requires the development of new technologies and methodologies for data storage and management, such as cloud computing and data visualization.

Despite these challenges, Big Data has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach archaeological research. By combining processual, contextual, and empirical approaches, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the past and can develop new theories and interpretations that challenge existing paradigms.

One area of particular interest in Big Data in archaeology is the study of cultural change. By analyzing large amounts of data from different archaeological sites and periods, researchers can identify patterns and trends in cultural change and can develop new models for understanding how cultures evolve over time.

Another area of interest in Big Data in archaeology is the study of social networks. By analyzing the relationships between individuals and groups within archaeological sites, researchers can gain a better understanding of social organization and how it shaped the development of different cultures.

Finally, Big Data in archaeology has the potential to improve the management and preservation of cultural heritage. By analyzing the data associated with cultural heritage sites, researchers can identify areas of vulnerability and can develop new strategies for protecting and preserving these sites.

In conclusion, the advent of Big Data in Digital Archaeology has brought about a significant shift in the way. While there are challenges associated with using Big Data, such as data quality and storage, the potential benefits are immense. By combining processual, contextual, and empirical approaches, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the past and can develop new theories and interpretations that challenge existing paradigms. The study of cultural change, social networks, and the management and preservation of cultural heritage are just a few of the areas where Big Data has the potential to revolutionize the field. As the amount of data generated continues to grow, it will be important for researchers to continue to develop new technologies and methodologies for data storage and management and to ensure that the data they collect is of high quality and properly documented and stored.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 206 x 289 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789697216