Theorising 3D Visualisation Systems in Archaeology: Towards more effective design, evaluations and life cycles

Abstract

3D visualization in archaeology has become a suitable solution and effective instrument for the analysis, interpretation and communication of archaeological information. However, only few attempts have been made so far for understanding and evaluating the real impact that 3D imaging has on the discipline under its different forms (offline immersive and not immersive, and online platform). There is a need in archaeology and cultural heritage for a detailed analysis of the different infrastructural options that are available and a precise evaluation of the different impact that they can have in reshaping the discipline. To achieve this, it is important to develop new methodologies that consider the evaluation process as a fundamental and central part for assessing digital infrastructures. This new methods should include flexible evaluation approaches that can be adapted to the infrastructure that need to be assessed. This paper aims at providing some examples of 3D applications in archaeology and cultural heritage and describing how the selection of the infrastructure is related to specific needs of the project. This work will describe the different applications and propose guidelines and protocols for evaluating their impact within academia and the general public.