Unlocking archaeological legacy survey data with crowdsourcing: towards a new method

Abstract

Archaeologists have covered millions of hectares of the Mediterranean landscape using field-walking survey to document finds that had surfaced by ploughing, erosion or other processes. Over the last 50 years or so, field archaeologists have accumulated important data about the location and distribution of archaeological sites in extended regions. These data are crucial for reconstructing large-scale settlement patterns and local histories, all the more so because intensified landscape changes since these surveys were performed have often obliterated the actual archaeological sites, leaving the survey record as its only memory. However, these so-called legacy survey data are at risk by inadequate digital curation. To prevent such loss, this paper presents a method based on crowdsourcing to unlock legacy survey data and allow reuse by both academics and heritage professionals. Activating researchers and students, these data can be rescued and made openly accessible online through a digital platform.