Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BiGAr (BIM and GIS Integration for Archaeology: a new method for documenting field archaeology)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-10-01 bis 2023-09-30
The project titled “BIM and GIS Integration for ARchaeology” (BiGAr) focuses on innovating archaeological research methodology by developing a digital application that integrates representation software, specifically Building Information Model (BIM) and Geographical Information System (GIS). The project aims to document the 4D nature of archaeological evidence (length, width, height, and time), combining 4D objects with traditional information such as texts or pictures.
Archaeologists are currently facing a challenge in documenting the three-dimensional nature of archaeological contexts and their evolution over time. Traditional methods have predominantly relied on 2D representations, limiting the comprehensive understanding of archaeological deposits. While recent advancements have enhanced 3D modelling, archaeologists still struggle to represent the time dimension. Furthermore, the integration of these 3D models with other information collected is still difficult.
However, the progress in the capacity of archaeologists in documenting the archaeological features is crucial for society to allow an effective preservation and valorisation of the Cultural Heritage as well as a correct understanding of the history of contemporary landscapes.
BiGAr project aims to improve archaeological research methodology by integrating Building Information Model (BIM) and Geographical Information System (GIS) technologies. The integration of BIM and GIS can be a groundbreaking solution that not only allows for the documentation of 4D archaeological evidence but also facilitates 3D models visualisation and their analysis in the geographical space.
The overarching BiGAr’s objectives include:
-Developing an Open Source (OS) web-database (BiGAr web-database) to record and manage 4D objects, integrating the BIM approach into GIS.
-Writing the code for an OS application to integrate BIM and GIS environments.
-Testing the workflow and main outcomes in case studies, using data from excavation, field survey, and unmanned aerial vehicle survey.
The research fellow, Dr Marco Cavalazzi, is achieving these objectives thanks to the collaboration of the involved organisations: the University of Bologna (Italy, return phase, year 3), the University of Michigan (USA, outgoing phase, years 1 and 2), and the University of Minho (Portugal, secondment, year 1).
Archaeologists are currently facing a challenge in documenting the three-dimensional nature of archaeological contexts and their evolution over time. Traditional methods have predominantly relied on 2D representations, limiting the comprehensive understanding of archaeological deposits. While recent advancements have enhanced 3D modelling, archaeologists still struggle to represent the time dimension. Furthermore, the integration of these 3D models with other information collected is still difficult.
However, the progress in the capacity of archaeologists in documenting the archaeological features is crucial for society to allow an effective preservation and valorisation of the Cultural Heritage as well as a correct understanding of the history of contemporary landscapes.
BiGAr project aims to improve archaeological research methodology by integrating Building Information Model (BIM) and Geographical Information System (GIS) technologies. The integration of BIM and GIS can be a groundbreaking solution that not only allows for the documentation of 4D archaeological evidence but also facilitates 3D models visualisation and their analysis in the geographical space.
The overarching BiGAr’s objectives include:
-Developing an Open Source (OS) web-database (BiGAr web-database) to record and manage 4D objects, integrating the BIM approach into GIS.
-Writing the code for an OS application to integrate BIM and GIS environments.
-Testing the workflow and main outcomes in case studies, using data from excavation, field survey, and unmanned aerial vehicle survey.
The research fellow, Dr Marco Cavalazzi, is achieving these objectives thanks to the collaboration of the involved organisations: the University of Bologna (Italy, return phase, year 3), the University of Michigan (USA, outgoing phase, years 1 and 2), and the University of Minho (Portugal, secondment, year 1).
The BiGAr action includes several tasks, related to research, fieldwork and testing, training, dissemination and outreach activities, and project management. During the first 2 years, the fellow developed activities belonging to each of these areas.
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 the training at the University of Michigan (USA) and at the University of Minho (Portugal) contributed to achieving the research objectives.
Fieldwork involves testing the BiGAr outputs, processing new data collected during the archaeological excavations in three Italian sites: Gabii, the castle of Zagonara (Lugo, RA), and Cervia (RA). This tasks were anticipated, differently from what was originally planned, and started from year 1. 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 application for BIM-GIS integration.
Another group of tasks was finalised to training on web-database, BIM techniques, academic English, attending courses and taking part in other kinds of activities at the University of Michigan and at the University of Minho. All training objectives were achieved.
Another group of tasks addresses dissemination and outreach activities. The research fellow effectively communicated the project progress through a dedicated webpage, 2 press releases, 4 conferences, 2 papers (still under preparation), 1 workshop at the University of Michigan, 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 preliminary outcomes of the BiGAr project. The plan for exploitation and dissemination of results has been adapted during the first two years, but the networking efforts in the USA 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.
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 the training at the University of Michigan (USA) and at the University of Minho (Portugal) contributed to achieving the research objectives.
Fieldwork involves testing the BiGAr outputs, processing new data collected during the archaeological excavations in three Italian sites: Gabii, the castle of Zagonara (Lugo, RA), and Cervia (RA). This tasks were anticipated, differently from what was originally planned, and started from year 1. 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 application for BIM-GIS integration.
Another group of tasks was finalised to training on web-database, BIM techniques, academic English, attending courses and taking part in other kinds of activities at the University of Michigan and at the University of Minho. All training objectives were achieved.
Another group of tasks addresses dissemination and outreach activities. The research fellow effectively communicated the project progress through a dedicated webpage, 2 press releases, 4 conferences, 2 papers (still under preparation), 1 workshop at the University of Michigan, 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 preliminary outcomes of the BiGAr project. The plan for exploitation and dissemination of results has been adapted during the first two years, but the networking efforts in the USA 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.
The BiGAr project implies significant progress beyond the current state of the art in archaeology and digital technology integration. While advancements in 3D modelling techniques have influenced archaeological data collection, the groundbreaking aspect of BiGAr lies in the integration between spatial data and databases, Geographical Information System and Building Information Modelling. Indeed, BiGAr outcomes allow an interaction between 2D-3D representations of archaeological evidence and other traditional information related to them, such as reports or pictures. This result will encourage the archaeologists to move beyond traditional 2D thinking.
The project aims at the creation of an open-source application that integrates BIM and GIS environments. In the first two years the research fellow defined the BiGAr web-database structure, and he initiated the creation of an application to ensure the 3D data collection and visualisation as well as the integration of 4D data with databases.
This application facilitates the visualisation of 3D models in the geographic space and the representation of the Time dimension. Its open-source nature ensures accessibility and continuous improvement by the academic community. Since year 1, the technology developed within BiGAr has been tested in concrete case studies located in Italy, namely the archaeological excavations at Gabii (Rome), and two excavations of the Ravenna Landscape project, at Zagonara (Lugo, RA) and Cervia (RA).
The activities performed so far have underscored the significance of digital approaches in archaeology, highlighting not only their potential impact in the academic sector, but also their usefulness for local communities and society in general. While a more conscious and effective approach to dealing with digital archaeological data will provide new momentum to the debate regarding both field and theoretical archaeology, the kind of research conducted within BiGAr project is already contributing to the development of new tools for recording and communicating research outcomes. This action will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of archaeology in supporting society in preserving both Cultural Heritage and Historical Landscapes.
The project aims at the creation of an open-source application that integrates BIM and GIS environments. In the first two years the research fellow defined the BiGAr web-database structure, and he initiated the creation of an application to ensure the 3D data collection and visualisation as well as the integration of 4D data with databases.
This application facilitates the visualisation of 3D models in the geographic space and the representation of the Time dimension. Its open-source nature ensures accessibility and continuous improvement by the academic community. Since year 1, the technology developed within BiGAr has been tested in concrete case studies located in Italy, namely the archaeological excavations at Gabii (Rome), and two excavations of the Ravenna Landscape project, at Zagonara (Lugo, RA) and Cervia (RA).
The activities performed so far have underscored the significance of digital approaches in archaeology, highlighting not only their potential impact in the academic sector, but also their usefulness for local communities and society in general. While a more conscious and effective approach to dealing with digital archaeological data will provide new momentum to the debate regarding both field and theoretical archaeology, the kind of research conducted within BiGAr project is already contributing to the development of new tools for recording and communicating research outcomes. This action will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of archaeology in supporting society in preserving both Cultural Heritage and Historical Landscapes.