The BiGAr action included several tasks, related to research, fieldwork and testing, training, dissemination and outreach activities, and project management.
The work carried out during the project involves the research on BIM techniques and the creation of a web-database structure. The fieldwork at the Gabii archaeological site (Rome, Italy) and training at the University of Michigan (USA) and at the University of Minho (Portugal) contributed to achieving the research objectives.
Field work involved testing the BiGAr outputs processing new data collected during the archaeological excavations in three sites: Gabii (Rome, Italy), the castle of Zagonara (Lugo, RA, Italy), and Cervia (RA, Italy). Fieldwork was anticipated as originally planned, occurring simultaneously with WP1. This allowed better testing the BiGAr outputs and workflow with new data. However, because of that, there were delays in achieving Research Objectives 1 and 2, which were, respectively, to build the BiGAr web-database structure and to write the code of BiGAr’s GIS application for BIM-GIS integration.
Another group of tasks was finalised to training on web-database, BIM techniques, academic English, and additional courses, attended during the secondment period at the University of Minho. All training objectives were achieved.
Another group of activities addresses dissemination and outreach activities. The ER is effectively communicated the project progresses through a dedicated webpage, 7 international conferences, 4 papers (2 still under preparation), 2 workshops, one at the University of Michigan and one the University of Bologna, and several presentations - two of them specifically conceived for 6-8 years old children - in the USA, Italy, and Portugal.
The last group of tasks deals with project management, legal and contractual management, and reporting. All activities, deliverables, and milestones expected in this field were completed as planned.
Regarding deviations, the anticipation of fieldwork and testing phase affected the original schedule, leading to delays in research.
In terms of impact, the fellow strengthened technical skills, collaboration with ICT researchers, and collected new data during fieldwork, testing the outcomes of the BiGAr project. The plan for exploitation and dissemination of results has been adapted, but the networking efforts in the USA, Italy, and Portugal as well as presentations at international conferences further enriched the project. In conclusion, the BiGAr project has achieved notable advancements by addressing deviations, adapting its approach to enhance dissemination, outreach, and training efforts.
