Structured Data Recording Using ArchaeoCAD

Since the middle of 1992, the excavation company ArcTron Ltd has been programming an archaeological information system specifically for recording and documenting large area, prehistoric settlement excavations. It is currently available in the version 5.0. This documentation system was developed as an application for the leading CAD software, AutoCAD (from version 12 on). It provides numerous functions for comprehensive, computer supported excavation documentation, finds and feature mapping as well as data management and EDP supported evaluation. It's efficiency has been proved by years of practical application on large area excavations. ArchaeoCAD automatically draws feature plans with object contours, sections, levelling values, excavation boundaries and finds symbols etc. This is achieved with the aid of programs which are especially designed for capturing incoming total station data (Fig. 8). The program is freely configurable and can be easily adapted to the various documentation requirements of different excavations. Amongst other features, ArchaeoCAD allows the user to insert freely definable drawing symbols, for example, for mapping specific finds measurements or finds groups. Archaeological object recognition and differentiation is realised using the distance measurements recorded during the actual surveying procedure. The program draws a new object if a certain preset distance is exceeded during the surveying procedure. This method has proved to be much quicker in practice, than the alternative method of entering an object-end code into a total station.

Fig. 8 Screenshot of a detailed plan of a settlement excavation in Geiselhoering near Straubing-bogen, Lower Bavaria, processed largely automatically using ArchaeoCAD.

The operator can subsequently enter object numbers or section markers or can let the program assign numbers to the various objects. The plan is printed out, checked against the area in question and coloured if necessary. An alternative to colouring the plan is to hatch areas of differing soil types with different patterns corresponding to the actual soil colour. There is also a facility in ArchaeoCAD for managing external data such as files containing planum and profile descriptions, section drawings, feature sketches, finds drawings, databases etc. This function is based on AutoCAD's Extended Entity Data, which is a text and graphics manager. Using this function it is possible to load an external description file by simply clicking on the appropriate object number or to view relevant finds drawings by clicking on a finds symbol. There are many different modules available for rapid digitisation of existing drawings (either OnScreen using a scanner or using a digitiser tablet) (Fig. 9). The program contains scaling programs, numerous archaeological drawing modules for object contours, section lines, excavation boundaries etc. as well as an archaeological drawings library for skeletal bones (human), stones, scales and north points etc.

Fig. 9. Neupfarrplatz, Regensburg, Oberpfalz. An example of a hand-drawn and digitised section. Drawings on graph paper are adjusted to fit, laid out in the background and then re-digitised on screen.

The drawings libraries have an open programming structure to allow the user to expand the existing libraries or create new ones. The program contains a flexible layer manager to aid the systematic handling of preset or newly defined archaeological layers (drawing transparencies) (Fig. 10). It enables the user to switch from drawing layer to drawing layer, differentiated by archaeological plana, for example. There are also many other functions for deleting, moving and printing layer information.

Fig. 10. Screenshot of ArchaeoCAD. Archaeological layer management. Example: Otzing, near Deggendorf, Lower Bavaria. Excerpt from the "Linearbandkeramischen" (early Neolithic) settlement.

Generally speaking, CAD applications provide high-performance modern methods of documenting archaeological features with which conventional, hand-drawn documentation can hardly be compared. The advantages of CAD include independence from scale, the capacity for limitless duplication and modification of CAD drawings and the unlimited facility of adding new transparencies (i.e. layers) over the original drawing. Other important benefits lie in the constant presence of data at the user's fingertips, which allows them access to information concerning individual objects and description texts, photographs, drawings etc. In short, systematic data recording enables the user to display finds labels, descriptions of plana and sections, section drawings, finds drawings and photographs belonging to every single object by using only a few simple commands. The scientist is provided with a structured user interface, which allows the operator to query and monitor all relevant information whilst working on a feature plan. Employing the modern methods outlined here results in extensive savings of both time and money, when compared to conventional methods. This means that the relatively high initial cost of acquiring the necessary hard and software is soon redeemed. To summarise, the areas in which savings can be made include surveying, feature drawing and the later reprocessing of plans. Any necessary modifications can be rapidly accomplished and plans can be flexibly adjusted to suit various print mediums. Finally, considerable savings can also be made in the area of information management and scientific evaluation.

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