There are four
fundamental computer-based applications or program types that are being
developed in virtual archaeology as it exists today. The first application is
called database management. It is used for the creation, storage and retrieval
of data. The second application being used is the statistical analysis of the
data that is stored within the database. This can take the form of traditional
statistical analysis, spreadsheet software programs or managerial database
query language programs. The third type of computer based application is image
processing. This allows the researcher to manipulate images in order to
visualize data representations in a variety of ways. The fourth type of
computer application is modeling programs that are becoming more widely used in
archaeology. These use the data collected and the images created to model
artifact assemblages in a relational manner and to create dynamic virtual
realities where one can study the way in which different components of the past
may have functioned.
The difference here pertains to the dynamic nature with which we can impart to static displays. As an excavation progresses, the archaeologist never sees more than a single reference frame. As portions of a site are uncovered, they are recorded as data and a new reference frame is revealed while the first is forever destroyed by virtue of the second being revealed. By modeling the data, both artifacts and the matrix of associated soils, rocks, floral, faunal and other documented finds, the researcher can essentially paint a motion picture of the excavation. This data can then be used as a documentary recording of the site itself or manipulated through modeling programs to portray relationships and conditions that may have existed at the time of their use or deposition. It is possible to create a reconstruction of ancient environments, structures, or virtual time-lapse animations of a site. These can be arranged to show sequential changes through time in order to understand the relationship between the artifacts in the ground and how they could have evolved from different initial conditions or effects of the environment that were introduced.
Image Courtesy of Dennis Holloway, Architect: http://www.taosnet.com/architectVRe/