The accepted Workshops in CAA2025 are 13.
Below are the descriptions of the Workshops in the order they were submitted.
WORKSHOP #1: Contributing to the community module library of the Network for Agent-based modelling of Socio-ecological Systems in Archaeology (NASSA)
Lead organizer: Andreas Angourakis
Lead organizer affiliation: Institute for Archaeological Studies, Ruhr University Bochum & Institute of Archaeology, University of Cologne, Germany
Description: Archaeological simulation, in particular, Agent-based Modelling (ABM) has grown out of its infant phase. With new models published weekly and a constantly growing pool of modellers, we are entering the phase where already existing models can be built on, repurposed and reformulated. To facilitate this process, a group of ABM modellers, under the banner of the Network for Agent-based modelling of Socio-ecological Systems in Archaeology (NASSA), has developed a library of individual code modules that can be picked and plugged into any model.¬† Since its conception in 2019, one of the main goals of NASSA has been to construct a digital infrastructure for exchanging, compiling and archiving assets for the broader community of simulation modellers in archaeology. A large part of the network membership was involved directly, through specific contributions, or indirectly, through discussion in regular meetings. NASSA counts today with a homepage (https://archaeology-abm.github.io/NASSA-hub/) introducing the network and offering content for and by the community, including an open-source library of simulation modelling modules. The NASSA library is an open-source repository that collects stable, version-controlled modules to be used inside or in connection with agent-based simulation models that represent socio-ecological systems and address archaeological questions. The library is first-and-foremost archaeological, meaning that it is both pragmatically specialised, allowing more immediate use in our field, and intrinsically interdisciplinary, thus including modules on many subjects and domains. The NASSA library is a collection of modules, not models. A NASSA module is a program specification or algorithm, i.e., finite sequences of formal instructions that receive an input and generate an output. For example, modules can be algorithms to load or set up spatial data, equation models wrapped as functions, modalities of random walks, simple procedures for agents to reproduce or exploit resources, or entire submodels to produce specific dynamics, such as diffusion, among many other possibilities. A module includes one or more implementations in one or more programming languages, accompanied by its unique metadata and documentation. Modules are authored submissions, individually licensed, and meant to be as citable as other academic publications. However, as a community resource, modules remain open for further development and revision by the original author(s) or additional contributors. NASSA provides a standardised module format (https://github.com/Archaeology-ABM/NASSA-schema) and encourages programming good practices and using GitHub‚Äôs code review feature to handle peer reviewing. NASSA‚Äôs module library includes a web interface with a basic search engine (https://archaeology-abm.github.io/NASSA-modules/) and individual pages displaying the metadata and links for each module. These are all updated automatically (GitHub Actions) once a submission or modification is accepted. In this session, participants will have the opportunity to learn and grow by creating their own modules. We will follow the library‚Äôs guide for submissions and together perform all steps during the session, from creating module files to peer reviewing submissions. This process will contribute to expanding the NASSA library and provide participants a chance to improve their coding and simulation modelling skills and learn and practice open-science workflows in GitHub. The Workshop session will begin with a brief introduction to the NASSA library and its submission guidelines, followed by a step-by-step walkthrough of module creation. Participants will work directly with code, developing and documenting their modules according to the library‚Äôs standardized format. The workshop will also include a peer-review component, where attendees will evaluate each other‚Äôs work using GitHub‚Äôs review features. The organisers will attend to individual questions, help participants complete the submission process, and mediate discussions during peer review. We look forward to seeing participants of all backgrounds and academic levels grow and learn together in this workshop. All participants who successfully submit a module and overcome a basic review process will receive a reward (details to be announced). This is our way of recognizing and appreciating your contribution to the NASSA library.”
Length: half day
Requirements: Internet access, Electric outlets for participants’ laptops, LCD projector or big screen for short presentation and demonstrations
Atendee requirements: Participants are asked to bring their laptops and any piece of code (e.g., a published ABM) from which a re-usable algorithm can be extracted. Previous knowledge of Git and GitHub is not required, however we encourage signing up in GitHub (registering as a free user).
Maximum number of participants: 25
WORKSHOP #2: Robusta: A web application for Assessing Robustness and Uncertainty in Spatial Analysis in Archaeology
Lead organizer: Eduardo Herrera Malatesta
Lead organizer affiliation: Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University
Description: Landscape research in archaeology has greatly benefited from the increasing application of computational methods over the last decades. Spatial statistical methods such as point pattern analysis have been particularly revolutionary. Archaeologists have used point pattern analysis to explore spatial arrangements and relations between ‚Äòpoints‚Äô (e.g., locations of artefacts or archaeological sites). However, the results obtained from these techniques can be significantly affected by the uncertainty coming from the fragmentary nature of archaeological data, their irregular distribution in the landscape, and the working methods used to study them. Furthermore, quantifying uncertainty in spatial data from non-systematic surveys has never been fully addressed. To overcome this challenge, archaeologists have increasingly relied on applying advanced methods from statistics, data science, and geography. While applying advanced methods from formal sciences will provide robustness to models based on uncertain datasets, as with uncertainty, robustness must be assessed in relation to the case study, the regional context, and the methods used. These issues are essential when the models from advanced methods are directly used to create narratives about past landscapes. In a recent paper (Herrera Malatesta and de Valeriola, 2024), we gather previous research on uncertainty quantification in archaeology and formalise its best practices into a framework to assess robustness and uncertainty in spatial statistical models, particularly focusing on one commonly used in the discipline, i.e., the Pair Correlation Function. This framework allows us to understand better how incomplete data affect a model, quantify the model uncertainties, and assess the robustness of the results achieved with spatial point processes. ¬†Based on this research, together with the Center for Humanities Computing of Aarhus University, we have created a web application for specialists and non-specialist colleagues who aim to understand better their datasets and the model results of spatial analysis. This workshop aims to teach the participants how to use the web application Robusta. This online open-access program helps archaeologists assess the robustness and quantify the uncertainties in spatial models based on point process modelling, specifically pair correlation function and Monte Carlo simulations. This workshop will be divided into two sections. First, an introductory lecture will provide the conceptual basis of the framework. Second, the ‚Äúhow to‚Äù section of the application will be explained by following a tutorial. By the end of the workshops, participants will be able to get concrete results on the robustness of their data on a pair correlation function model and on the Monte Carlo simulations, as well as the quantification of the uncertainties in the model result. The framework that will be presented is designed to aid archaeologists -working with datasets that are known to contain sources of uncertainty- to be able to apply spatial statistical methods and achieve a higher understanding of the uncertainties of the resulting models. To make the most of this workshop, we recommend participants bring a dataset composed of a series of spatial points (sites or materials) and the area polygon. This will allow them to apply the concepts and tools they learn during the workshop to their research, gaining a deeper understanding of the robustness and uncertainty in their spatial models. References Herrera Malatesta E., de Valeriola, S. (2024) Ambiguous landscapes: A framework for assessing robustness and uncertainties in archaeological point pattern analysis. PLoS ONE 19(9): e0307743. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0307743″
Length: half day
Requirements: Regarding space and equipment, we need a room with an LCD projector and cables to connect our laptops. Since the participants need to use their laptops, ideally, the room should have individual chairs and tables.
Atendee requirements: This workshop is oriented to any archaeologist with or without knowledge of computational methods. Our web application is very easy to use and intuitive. It was designed to help non-specialists and specialists to better understand the uncertainty in their spatial data and models. Nonetheless, we will provide a lecture to explain our framework and the web app.
Maximum number of participants: 50
WORKSHOP #3: Introduction to the EAMENA Machine Learning Automated Change Detection Tool (Hands-on Training Workshop)
Lead organizer: Ahmed Mahmoud
Lead organizer affiliation: University of Leicester
Description: Archaeological sites across the globe are facing significant threats and heritage managers are under increasing pressure to monitor and preserve these sites. The enormous number of heritage sites and landscapes, often in remote or otherwise difficult to access locations makes consistent and regular monitoring of these sites for disturbances and threats a daunting task. Combined with the increasing frequency and severity of threats to archaeological sites, from urbanisation to climate change, the need to develop novel tools and methods that can rapidly monitor the changes at and around archaeological sites and provide accurate and consistent monitoring has never been more urgent. The Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa (EAMENA) project has developed a new tool for automating the detection of disturbances and threats to heritage sites and landscapes. This newly-developed online tool uses Google Earth Engine, a free, open-access platform which allows users to write bespoke code to access and analyse a huge archive of satellite imagery and geospatial datasets. The EAMENA Machine Learning Automated Change Detection (MLACD) tool uses bespoke machine learning algorithms to process sequential Sentinel-2 satellite images and create a series of land classification maps. By determining the location and types of changes over time between the land classification maps, the tool is able to detect and identify disturbances and threats in the vicinity of known archaeological sites. In addition to the land cover classification, the tool produces several different outputs in the form of visual statistical data including a binary change map, change class map, and time series analysis charts. In this workshop, participants will gain an introduction to Google Earth Engine and learn how to use the EAMENA MLACD tool. They will be given a demonstration of the tool and step-by-step instruction on how to input and change the necessary variables using the User Interface and where necessary within the code. Participants will learn how to implement and adapt the tool for different case studies, and how to export and interpret the various results and outputs. Participants will also be given time to practice using the tool, with help from the workshop organisers. Proposed Schedule (TBC):
Session 1. Introduction to EAMENA and the MLACD Method. Introduction and overview of Google Earth Engine Getting started with the EAMENA MLACD Documentation
Session 2. Defining the study area and uploading heritage sites for analysis. Defining the training samples and visualisation parameters
Session 3. Image classification and analysis. Identifying disturbances and threats to heritage sites Interpreting, exporting, and validating results
Session 4. Adapting the EAMENA MLACD for new case studies.
Optional practice session
Length: half day
Requirements: Projector and screen, Table/desk space for participants to work on laptops, Enough electrical outlets/extension cords for up to 12 laptops, Access to Wifi
Atendee requirements: Participants need to bring their own laptop. Participants should sign up for Google Earth Engine in advance (Create GEE account). Previous experience with Remote Sensing, GIS, Google Earth Engine, and/or Javascript are helpful, but not required
Maximum number of participants: 10
WORKSHOP #4: Chronological modelling with ChronoLog: theory and practice
Lead organizer: Eythan Levy
Lead organizer affiliation: University of Zurich
Description: This workshop will present the foundations of ChronoLog, a free tool for building chronological models, testing their consistency, and computing tight, checkable, chronological estimates. These models consist of a network of entities (e.g. archaeological strata, ceramic periods, historical reigns) connected by a set of synchronisms. The tool allows users to modify the data in the model and assess on-the-fly the impact of these updates on the overall chronology. ChronoLog also allows users to add radiocarbon determinations to their models, and to convert the model automatically to an OxCal Bayesian radiocarbon model. This feature allows archaeologists with no knowledge of the OxCal specification language to build complex Bayesian models on their own, with just a few clicks of the mouse. ChronoLog is freely available for download at https://chrono.ulb.be. For more details on ChronoLog, a user manual is available on the ChronoLog website. For additional details, see the bibliography below, especially Levy et al. 2021 (Journal of Archaeological Science), and Levy et al., in press (Proceedings of CAA 2021). The workshop will start with a general introduction to ChronoLog, its basic principles, and its main functionalities. The second part of the session will be devoted to practical modelling exercises, which users will do on their own laptops. In these exercises, users will first learn how to build chronological models by themselves, based on a wide set of archaeological and historical data. They will then explore how ChronoLog can serve as a useful tool for archaeological cross-dating. This part will also present the use ChronoLog as a front-end to OxCal for building Bayesian radiocarbon models. In the final part of the workshop, participants will be invited to present their own data sets, and will be assisted in the modelling of these datasets using ChronoLog.
Length: half day
Requirements: LCD projector, WIFI connection.
Atendee requirements: The workshop has no formal requirements. Participants should bring their laptop, and have an internet connection to download the ChronoLog app at https://chrono.ulb.be or, alternatively, download the app before the start of the workshop. Participants are also encouraged, if they have not already done so, to create an OxCal account on https://c14.arch.ox.ac.uk/oxcal/.
Maximum number of participants: 15
WORKSHOP #5: Machine Learning Basics in Archaeology: Deep Learning Archaeological Features Detection on Historical Maps and Drone Imagery
Lead organizer: Iban Berganzo-Besga
Lead organizer affiliation: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)
Description: Despite its age, computer vision (CV) is a relatively new technology which has experienced enormous growth in recent years thanks to the upswing of the deep learning (DL) approaches. Artificial intelligence (AI) applied to archaeology (Deravignone and Macchi J√°nica, 2006; Menze and Ur, 2012; Zingman et al., 2016; Orengo and Garcia-Molsosa, 2019; Berganzo-Besga et al., 2021) has had a much greater growth than other prominent technologies in computational archaeology such as remote sensing. However, there are numerous challenges associated with its application both in archaeology (Berganzo-Besga et al., 2023) and in other fields (Liang et al., 2021), such as the lack of expertise within the research community (Cacciari and Pocobelli, 2022).¬† The purpose of this workshop is to make Machine Learning knowledge more accessible to interested participants through various hands-on activities, focusing on real case studies to demonstrate its potential. By engaging in them, attendees will gain firsthand experience with the techniques and methodologies. The Google Colab online platform will be used for the development of DL algorithms, in particular YOLOv9 instance segmentation, as well as to ensure compliance with the FAIR principles. This approach will enable participants to directly engage with the tools required to build DL algorithms effectively. Moreover, attendees will learn each step involved in developing DL algorithms, including data treatment, labelling, training, validation and testing. By covering each stage of the process, participants will gain insight into how to create similar algorithms, which will also allow them to assess the applicability of AI in their own case studies. Furthermore, the workshop will emphasise best practices within the CV framework, providing attendees with the necessary guidelines for successful algorithm development and implementation. This workshop is designed for PhD candidates and researchers interested in applying this technology in their research for the first time or gaining an understanding of the latest innovations in the field. They will replicate novel articles published in the field of computational archaeology and CV.”
Length: half day
Requirements: Internet access is mandatory. Also, if my laptop screen can be shared in some way, attendees will be able to follow the workshop better.
Atendee requirements: Attendees need a laptop with internet access, a Google account, and at least 25MB of available storage on the associated Google Drive. I recommend that attendees create a Google account specifically for this purpose rather than using their personal accounts.
Maximum number of participants: The space available in the room, taking into account that there will only be one organiser.
WORKSHOP #6: Workshop: a stepping stone to FAIR practice. Learn how to use CRMarchaeo & CRMinf.
Lead organizer: Stephen Stead
Lead organizer affiliation: Paveprime Ltd
Description: This workshop explores CRMarchaeo’s use in linking diverse archaeological documentation. When working with archaeological data deposited in archives by different organisations using ever-evolving recording methodologies, a recurrent problem is being able to systematically access elements of the records without immersing oneself in the recording milieu of each of the original deposits. This high intellectual cost must be paid by each scholar wishing to work on the records of a particular archaeological investigation and so effectively creates a barrier to extensive reuse of archived data.The FAIR data principles require \”that all research objects should be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) both for machines and for people\” (Wilkinson et al. 2016). One approach to making data FAIRly accessible while reducing the effort to a single ‚Äúintellectual act‚Äù is to map to a ‚Äúlingua franca‚Äù, such as CRMarchaeo. The CRMarchaeo extension has been meticulously designed to promote a shared understanding of how to formalise the knowledge extracted from the observations made by archaeologists. It provides a set of concepts and properties that allow clear explanation (and separation) of the observations and interpretations made, whether in the field or during post-excavation phases.¬† We will demonstrate how to use the CRMinf extension to document the background to alternative interpretations and reinterpretations and also explore how to tie oral history and ethnographic material to excavation records.¬† The participants of the workshop will work through a series of case studies that reflect different excavation documentation practices: from 1950s style day books through to context recording sheets, and extend to database and computer-aided design (CAD) combinations and advanced integrated, object-oriented database/geographic information systems (GIS) like Intrasis. The aim is to explore archetypical solutions and provide attendees with hands-on experience of mapping actual documentation practice to CRMarchaeo.¬† Bring: Laptop Notepad (Physical Thing)”
Length: half day
Requirements: Projector, White Board and pens
Atendee requirements: Laptop, Notepad and pen, Some knowledge of archaeological data will be assumed
Maximum number of participants: 12
WORKSHOP #7: Efficient Archaeological Data Management: From Digital Data Entry to Analysis and Publication
Lead organizer: Dr Emmanuel Clivaz
Lead organizer affiliation: ArcheoBase
Description: Questions Answered by this Workshop How can we effectively overcome resource limitations (human, financial, and material) in archaeology to improve data collection and analysis? What are the best practices for developing and implementing standardized methods in archaeological data processing? How can we establish a unified, accessible online database to facilitate data sharing, knowledge transfer, and collaboration across institutions? How to enhance the accessibility of archaeological data and publications for both the public and researchers, ensuring cultural heritage preservation and visibility? How can we ensure the long-term preservation and reliability of digital archaeological data, particularly regarding open data initiatives and digital sustainability? Summary Participants will engage in an end-to-end journey of archaeological data handling, from initial data entry during excavation, through post-excavation analysis, to final publication, addressing critical questions using ArcheoBase. Workshop Outline Excavation and Data Entry: Beginning in the field, participants will learn to record archaeological data efficiently using ArcheoBase‚Äôs ArcheoEntry module, tailored for dynamic and adaptable data entry. This phase emphasizes the importance of capturing accurate data directly on-site, reducing redundancy, and minimizing errors. Through customizable digital forms, participants will capture data in a manner that is compatible with their own workflow and methodology, ensuring accuracy and consistency from the start. Participants will create digital forms based on their own paper templates, learn how to use the module to streamline teamwork on excavation sites, especially on large projects with multiple sectors and team members. They will experience live data entry directly from tablets or mobile devices, allowing everyone to capture information simultaneously and in real-time. Post-Excavation Analysis: Moving to the post-excavation phase, the workshop will delve into data management and analytical techniques facilitated by ArcheoBase. Participants will utilize tools for organizing, validating, and analyzing data, including the integration of GIS and photogrammetry. Participants will learn how to link diverse data types‚Äîsuch as photographs, drawings, and forms‚Äîto create a comprehensive, integrated dataset. Through hands-on exercises, participants will see how ArcheoBase‚Äôs capabilities support the automated generation of Harris matrices enhancing the interpretative depth of the data collected. Participants will also get an exclusive preview of ArcheoBase‚Äôs latest feature in development‚Äîa web-based, geolocalized drawing tool. Set to be fully operational by the end of 2025, this tool enables precise, GIS-integrated vector drawings directly in a browser. The participants will further export their data in xlsx format for comprehensive backups and further work with other software (R, python, etc.). They will also use Web Feature Services (WFS) that allows a direct synchronization between ArcheoBase and spatial analysis/mapping tools such as QGIS. Data Publication and Accessibility: In the final phase, the workshop addresses the publication of archaeological data for both public acces, academic and institutional use. Using ArcheoBase‚Äôs ArcheoPublication and ArcheoView modules, participants will learn the process of preparing data for online publication, ensuring accessibility while safeguarding data integrity. ArcheoPublication also enables user to directly publish their work on their own institution‚Äôs website via an IFrame, offering seamless integration and broader accessibility. This phase will highlight the platform‚Äôs capacity to facilitate open data initiatives and public engagement, thus contributing to cultural heritage preservation. Attendees will explore strategies to facilitate the handling of meta-projects, such as the Swiss Palafitte Project, where members come from different institutions and collaborate on a centralized database for data entry and publication.”
Length: half day
Requirements: Internet connection (wifi for all participants), LCD projector or large screen to show the presentation to participants
Atendee requirements: Personal computer or tablet, Browser (Chrome, Edge)
Maximum number of participants: 50
WORKSHOP #8: Opportunities and Tools from the Cultural Heritage Cloud (ECCCH-ECHOES) for Digital Archaeology
Lead organizer: Xavier RODIER
Lead organizer affiliation: CNRS/ECHOES project
Description: This workshop will introduce participants to the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH), an initiative aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and digital preservation within the cultural heritage sector. ECCCH, also called Cultural heritage Cloud, will be set up by the ECHOES project as an umbrella for the three first projects AUTOMATA, TEXTaiLES, HERITALISE, and other future projects. Attendees will gain an overview of the tools and methodologies that will be supported by the¬† Cultural Heritage Cloud, focusing on applications in digital archaeology. The workshop will begin with an overview of Cultural Heritage Cloud‚Äôs objectives, structure, and the resources it offers to researchers and practitioners. Participants will then engage in sessions covering topics such as collaborative workflows, advanced data integration techniques, and tools for enhancing digital documentation and analysis of our cultural heritage reserve. Through a combination of presentations and group discussions, attendees will discover how the Cultural heritage Cloud will be able to enhance their research projects and contribute to the broader cultural heritage community. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of how to utilise the Cultural Heritage Cloud to address challenges in digital archaeology and foster sustainable collaboration.”
Length: full day
Requirements: LCD projector, Internet access, Whiteboard or flipchart with markers
Atendee requirements: Cultural Heritage Professionals, Archaeologists, Conservators, Engineers, etc.
Maximum number of participants: 100
WORKSHOP #9: Using the ArchaMap application for data synthesis and creating FAIR data
Lead organizer: Robert J. Bischoff
Lead organizer affiliation: Arizona State University
Description: This workshop introduces ArchaMap, an application and database belonging to the CatMapper project, that facilitates synthetic research in archaeology by mapping and merging datasets through a transparent, reproducible process. ArchaMap is designed to assist users in merging and storing translations across datasets, although ArchMap does not store data other than category names and relevant contextual metadata. Users can integrate diverse categories such as ceramic types, projectile points, time periods, culture areas, site names, or any other type of archaeological category. ArchaMap aligns with FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), ensuring data is easy to manage, share, and reuse across projects.¬† As an example scenario, the cyberSW database in the Southwest US contains data on millions of ceramic sherds mapped to distinct ceramic types. ArchaMap provides tools to (1) to help users link ceramic types from new projects to the cyberSW ceramic types for new analyses, and (2) publicly share those new linkages for others to re-use.¬† Specifically, if a user has a spreadsheet of ceramic types from a new project, they can upload it to ArchMap and use ArchaMap‚Äôs translation tools to automatically find the best matches for existing ceramic types within the ArchaMap database leveraging a comprehensive set of alternate names already included in the database. They can also limit their search to only those ceramic types currently used by the cyberSW database.¬† These matches can then be verified for accuracy and modified as necessary. New categories can be created if a ceramic type does not currently exist within the database. After fully translating the new project‚Äôs ceramic types, the user can then upload the new project‚Äôs metadata and the translations of its ceramic types to ArchaMap categories. The user can then download a link template showing exactly how the new dataset matches with the cyberSW dataset. This process can be repeated to link multiple datasets. As new datasets are uploaded, each new translation increases the pool of alternate names available for matching, thereby making matching easier in the future.¬† The uploaded dataset will include metadata on where the dataset can be located making it more findable, and a url can optionally be provided making the dataset more accessible. By linking the categories to an ArchaMap category with a permanent URL and unique CMID (CatMapperID), it makes the data interoperable. By permanently storing the linkages between datasets, the data becomes more reusable.¬† Another key aspect of ArchaMap is that it encodes multiple competing typologies. Researchers may choose to constrain matches by context or dataset to choose a particular typology that suits their needs or they can upload their own typology. The user is able to determine what constitutes a match and modify the translation to fit their needs. Disagreements in matches will be highlighted by the application and left for the user to moderate.¬† This workshop is suitable for researchers at any stage, with any type of data, from any region. Learning Outcomes: Attendees will learn basic functions of the ArchaMap application: explore existing categories within the database, use ArchaMap to translate archaeological categories across datasets, and obtain link files to combine datasets.”
Length: half day
Requirements: LCD projector, Wifi
Atendee requirements: Laptop (strongly encouraged) or tablet
Maximum number of participants: 30
WORKSHOP #10: Towards a Green Cluster for Cultural Heritage
Lead organizer: George Pavlidis
Lead organizer affiliation: Athena Research Center, Greece
Description: Description The \”GREEN CLUSTER FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE\” represents a pioneering collaboration fostered by the European Commission to address the pressing challenges of preserving and conserving cultural heritage in the face of environmental and societal crises. This network brings together EU-funded projects with common objectives, structured around three key pillars: (1) green technologies and materials for cultural heritage, (2) understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change and natural hazards on heritage, and (3) advanced technologies for remote monitoring of heritage monuments and artefacts. This workshop introduces the Green Cluster and focuses on the third pillar by featuring four early-stage projects: ARGUS, NERITES, CHEMINOVA, and iPhotoHOTOCULTult. Given their nascent phase, the workshop will highlight the foundations on which these projects are built, including previous research and technologies that serve as their conceptual and technical basis. These include advancements in photonics, spectroscopy, imaging, and software solutions for cultural heritage monitoring and conservation. Structure and Objectives The workshop aims to foster dialogue, networking, and future collaboration among participants by presenting the Green Cluster framework and the current and future contributions of the four projects. The structure includes:
Project Introductions: Brief presentations of each project, focusing on their goals, ambitions, and the previous research and tools that informed their design. Showcasing Foundations: Highlights of relevant work and technologies from previous initiatives, including case studies, methods, and datasets. Collaborative Discussions: Interactive group discussions exploring challenges, opportunities, and potential synergies between projects and participants. Future Directions: Joint brainstorming on how these projects can align their efforts through shared pilots, technologies, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Participant Engagement The workshop emphasises active participation, with attendees encouraged to share their expertise and insights. Interactive breakout sessions will allow participants to focus into thematic areas, such as innovative monitoring technologies, climate change impacts, and materials science. Participants will use digital collaboration tools to visualise ideas, and live polls will be employed to prioritise challenges and opportunities. Expected Outcomes Enhanced understanding of the Green Cluster‚Äôs role in fostering collaborative innovation for cultural heritage. Identification of synergies and shared challenges across projects and participants. Practical ideas for aligning project activities, including the use of shared pilot sites. Broader dissemination of advanced methodologies and technologies in cultural heritage monitoring. “
Length: half day
Requirements: A projector and a computer (requirements of the planned group activities will be covered by the organisers)
Atendee requirements: Participants will participate in-person and could use their personal portable computing system for electronic interactions (like polls)
Maximum number of participants: 25
WORKSHOP #11: Futurescaping: Sustainable Digital Archaeology – A Speculative Design Workshop –
Lead organizer: Claire Boardman
Lead organizer affiliation: University of York
Description: Futurescaping: Sustainable Digital Archaeology A Speculative Design Workshop ¬†¬† ‚ÄúThe creative, media, arts, and culture sectors also use and produce a growing array of digital materials. Yet it seems we do not currently have sufficient capacities to preserve and access this important part of the modern-day cultural record. An estimated¬†463 exabytes of data will be produced globally each day by 2025 ‚Ä쬆 the equivalent of 212 765 957 DVDs per day. While a large portion of this may never be treated as digital heritage, it highlights the immense scale of the preservation challenge ahead. (ICCROM, 2024). ¬† Our digital practices in our work come with vast hidden social, environmental, and economic costs. There remains a significant gap between current digital and sustainability policies on the one hand, and technological developments such as AI, current practices within cultural heritage and heritage research agendas on the other. We can no longer continue with the expectation of neutral, sustainable digital technologies and infrastructure when the future of our planet is at stake. Accepting that such a future is a human catastrophe and that choices can and must be made now, what do we need to do, as archaeologists, and as a professional community to deliver a sustainable digital future? How can we plan, act and design for a sustainable digital archaeological future? How do we define and integrate sustainability within the daily practices of digital archaeology and heritage? What archaeological world do we want the next generations to work in? What do we already do that works, and what can we leave behind? This half-day, interdisciplinary workshop aims to bring together a broad, representative group of archaeologists and heritage practitioners and will follow the ‚ÄòFuturescaping‚Äô speculative design protocol (c, 2019) developed specifically for innovation and change the Cultural Heritage Sector by Areti Galani and Gabriella Arrigoni (Newcastle University) and their partners at the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology. Grounded in critical theory, speculative design, while future-oriented, is not about predicting the future. Leveraging collective intelligence its purpose is to suspend present-day constraints in order to ask questions about the structures, politics and values in the sociotechnical systems that we currently experience (or might want to experience in the future) by creating an imagined world configured differently from our own. It is speculative in that it re-imagines the world to be organised into different social, political, economic, and technological configurations, or what Auger (2013: 12) terms ‚Äúalternative presents‚Äù. However, speculation alone is insufficient. The final action in this workshop will evaluate what is needed, to deliver the desired future outcomes, against the status quo to provide a starting point for sustainable digital archaeology. References: Auger, J. (2013) ‚ÄòSpeculative design: crafting the speculation‚Äô, Digital Creativity, 24(1), pp. 11‚Äì35. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/14626268.2013.767276. CoHERE (2019) Critical Heritages: Performing and representing identities in Europe – Work Package 4: Practice-based Futurescaping: Summary Video [Online]. Available at: https://digitalcultures.ncl.ac.uk/cohere/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CoHERE_CCA_WP4-Futurescaping-video-1.pdf [Last Accessed: 24 May 2023].”
Length: half day
Requirements: Table/chairs and space for 5/6 small groups to work together without disturbing each other. Ability to print worksheets for each participant. AV/projector equipment – to show slides and/or online collaborative tools such as Miro – would be ideal but not mandatory.
Atendee requirements: No prior experience or preparation required.
Maximum number of participants: 20
WORKSHOP #12: Do it Yourself with the archeoViz Ecosystem! A Decentralized and Open-Source Approach to Archaeological Data Web Edition, Visual and Statistical Exploration
Lead organizer: archeoViz maintenance team
Lead organizer affiliation: MASA+ consortium, huma-num, CNRS, France
Description: Presentation archeoViz is a stand-alone application designed for the visualization and statistical exploration of archaeological spatial data across multiple scales, from individual objects to excavation sites, landscapes, and entire regions. Tailored archeoViz instances can be deployed online to provide public access to specific datasets. Complementing this, the archeoViz Portal serves as a web application for discovering and browsing references to existing archeoViz instances. It is important to note that the archeoViz Portal is not a platform for data publication. While the publication of datasets is strongly encouraged, this should ideally be carried out using dedicated, specialized services such as Zenodo, Nakala, ADS, or tDAR. The archeoViz application supports both 3D and 2D visualizations, enabling users to generate maps and cross-sections of archaeological material. The software also offers tools to visualize the chronology of fieldwork at a site. In addition to basic spatial statistical analyses, archeoViz allows seamless data export to other online applications, enabling the implementation of more advanced analytical methods, such as refitting analysis, clustering, and seriation. To ensure reproducibility, archeoViz automatically generates R code that reflects the current user-defined settings. More information can be found on the archeoViz blog and on the archeoViz mailinglist. General Objectives of the Workshop The goal of this workshop is to empower participants with the skills needed to: (1) explore spatialized archaeological data, and (2) effectively share and enhance the visibility of this data on the web. These objectives will be achieved using free and open-source tools from the archeoViz ecosystem, including the archeoViz R package and the archeoViz Portal web platform. Aligned with the decentralization and do-it-yourself principles of archeoViz, the workshop will place particular emphasis on fostering the self-reliance of future archeoViz users. Workshop program 1. Introduction to Basic Functions of archeoViz Navigating the graphical interface Importing data Selecting subsets of data Creating visualizations 2. Implementing Open Science Practices in the archeoViz Ecosystem Understanding FAIR principles Data publishing and editing Ensuring reproducibility Overview of the implementation of FAIR and open science concepts in archeoViz and the archeoViz portal 3. Advanced functionalities Statistical analysis using interoperable software Exporting outputs (SVG, HTML) Using archeoViz in R for fine-tuning Preparing data for archeoViz Deploying an archeoViz instance online for a specific dataset 4. Hands-on Session Working with participants‚Äô data (or published datasets if needed) 5. Conclusion References Plutniak, S., A. Vignoles, √â. Caron-Laviolette. 2024. ‚ÄúKeep Control of Your Data! A Decentralized, Open-Source and Community-Driven Approach to Archaeological Data Sharing Through the archeoViz Portal‚Äù, presentation at the EAA 2024 conference, Rome, Italy. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.13862828 Plutniak, S. 2023. ‚ÄúarcheoViz: an R package for the Visualisation, Exploration, and Web Communication of Archaeological Spatial Data‚Äù, Journal of Open Source Software, 8(92), 5811, doi: 10.21105/joss.05811 “
Length: half day
Requirements: LCD projector, 18 chairs and sufficient tables to ensure each participant has enough space to use their computer comfortably, Reliable internet connection
Atendee requirements: Participants should have R and Rstudio installed on their computers prior the workshop. Bringing a personal dataset is not required but is highly recommended. Participants will be asked to provide the workshop presenters with a brief description of their dataset (any type of spatialized archaeological data, such as objects localized within a site or sites localized within a region). For any questions about this requirement, please feel free to contact the workshop team (archeoviz-maintainers@services.cnrs.fr). No prior experience with R is necessary.
Maximum number of participants: 15
WORKSHOP #13: A Long-term Solution for Archaeological Data Challenges: Navigating Myriad and Complex Data and Processes with the Arches Cultural Heritage Data Management Platform
Lead organizer: Annabel Lee Enriquez
Lead organizer affiliation: Getty Conservation Institute
Description: Archaeological practice often presents several data challenges, including the inherent complexity of archaeological data itself, for example, it comes in many forms, from a variety of sources and processes, and can serve multiple purposes. This workshop will explore how the Arches Heritage Data Management Platform, as an open-source FAIR data management system, can be the solution for  attendees to better navigate different types of archaeological data and processes, including for: site and find spot inventory and related surveys, controlled vocabularies/thesauri management, excavation recording, scientific investigation, archaeological impact assessments, and find/object/reference collections. Specifically, attendees will learn about:
How Arches enables both the FAIR and CARE principles, which gives archaeological data stewards the opportunity to incorporate ethical frameworks into their data practice Arches for HERs, an example of an Arches application customized for UK heritage organizations that includes inventory of archaeological sites and the management of the heritage impact assessment process Arches for Science, the Arches application that can be used for archaeological science investigation, analyses and reference collections Arches Lingo, the soon-to-be-released Arches application that will manage and publish thesauri for various audiences and uses Arches implementations around the world that manage archaeological data including for site inventory, assessing threats and impact assessments, excavation recording, and more The steps to implement Arches for a project or organization The benefits of participating in the global Arches open-source community, including leveraging more than a decade of long-term investment in the Arches platform and implementations by more than one hundred organizations and projects around the world “
Length: half day
Requirements: Projector/Screen
Atendee requirements: This workshop is appropriate for all experience levels and no special software is required.
Maximum number of participants: 50 participants (or how ever many can comfortably view the screen and hear the presentation)