BiGAr · BIM and GIS Integration for Archaeology: a new method for documenting field archaeology

BIM and GIS Integration for Archaeology: a new method for documenting field archaeology

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, high, plus Time), combining 3D volumes 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 (for instance, the databases) 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 visualization 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 a case-study using data from excavation, field survey, and UAV survey, and transferring the technology to the EU. The research fellow, Dr Marco Cavalazzi, achieved these objectives thanks to the collaboration of the involved organizations: the University of Bologna (Italy, Return Phase), the University of Michigan (USA, Outgoing Phase), and the University of Minho (Portugal, Secondment).

Data: CORDIS, © European Union