VIRTUAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND WEB TECHNOLOGIES

The course is part of the Master’s Degree Programme in ‘Digital and Public Humanities’ and is connected to the Venice Centre for Digital and Public Humanities (VeDPH) in Ca' Foscari's Department of Humanities. The course aims at providing a general overview of the available 3D survey and modelling methods and this year it will focus on the use and application of X-ray computed micro-tomography (microCT) to archaeology.

1. Knowledge and understanding:
• Knowledge of the theoretical and practical issues of Virtual Archaeology;
• General knowledge of the main techniques and methodologies;
• Knowledge of microCT.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
• Ability to apply the methodologies of Virtual Archaeology to specific cases;
• Ability to plan, acquire and use 3D microCT data in archaeology.
3. Judgement skills:
• Ability to develop critical thinking skills with reference to Virtual Archeology.

There are no pre-requirements.

The definition of Virtual Archaeology originally developed to indicate the acquisition and use of 3D models of ancient artefacts and structures and gradually included virtual reality and web technologies. This year the course will provide a general overview of the available methods to effectively produce 3D documentation of archaeological sites/materials and will focus on the application of X-ray computed micro-tomography (microCT) to archaeology. Such technique, evolved from clinical CT scanning, has provided a new important tool for the non-destructive 3D microstructural analysis of different types of "hard" materials. Its application to human fossil remains has generated a fundamental shift in paleoanthropological studies and its application to archaeological materials is gradually increasing to the point that a growing number of institutions have acquired or developed microCT systems. One of the main reasons of such large adoption of microCT instruments relies on its non-destructive capability to investigate the 3D external and inner structure of investigated samples. Hands-on sessions will allow students to learn how to plan, acquire and use 3D microCT data in archaeology.

Specific contents:

1. Introduction to Virtual Archaeology (VA)
2. Short history and theory of VA
3. VA (simulating 3D models) vs. Cyberarchaeology
4. 3D passive and active survey methods
5. Structure from motion (SfM) coupled with Multi Stereo Vision (MSV)
6. Use of 3D replicas: 3D GIS and 3D reconstruction-modelling
7. 3D imaging of external and internal features of objects: X-ray microCT
8. MicroCT applications in archaeology
9. Web-based archaeology

Lecture slides, readings, up-to-date papers about Virtual Archaeology will be made available. Main referral texts are reported below.
- Forte M., Campana S., eds., (2016). Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology. Archaeology in the Age of Sensing. Springer.
- Bernardini F., Tuniz C., Zanini F. (2018). X-Ray Computed Microtomography for Paleoanthropology, Archaeology, and Cultural Heritage, in (eds. Lazzara G., Fakhrullin R.) Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials for Diagnostic, Conservation, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Elsevier, 25-42.

Oral exam. Non-attending students should contact the professors to complete the program of the oral exam with additional readings.

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Classes with activities in and outside the class, and interaction between professor and students.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Whenever needed, the didactic material will be made available through the Moodle e-learning platform.