Archeology and the computer: information technologies in archaeological research
Authors: Bazenov Oleksandr ,   Kamianets-Podilskyi Ivan Ohiienko National University, Hlushkovetskyi Anatoliі ,   Kamianets-Podilskyi Ivan Ohiienko National University
Published: July 2024

In the modern world, the use of information technology is a mandatory condition for the efficiency and successful implementation of various projects, including scientific ones. Archaeology, dealing with a vast number of artifacts discovered during archaeological research, has long needed an automated system for the systematization and processing of diverse materials. In the late 1950s, the gradual implementation of systems for calculating archaeological sources using the electronic computing machines (ECMs) of the time began. This process did not bypass Ukraine, where the first attempt to use such ECMs in archaeological research was made with the participation of M. Braichevskyi. Currently, with the widespread availability of modern information technology for scientists, these technologies find extensive application in archaeology, contributing to higher quality scientific research and, most importantly, transforming traditional archaeology into digital or public archaeology. The purpose of the article is to highlight the current state of implementation of modern information technologies in archaeological activities and to demonstrate their capabilities in archaeological research. The methodological basis of the research includes principles of historicism, objectivity, comprehensiveness, and systematicity, which are realized through the application of research methods such as analytical, synthetic, descriptive, chronological, synchronic, diachronic, and others. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that it is the first to highlight the current state of implementation of modern information technologies in archaeological activities, revealing the directions and methods of their use in archaeological research through specific examples. Conclusions. As a result of the analysis of the implementation of information technologies in archaeological research in the context of the realization of domestic researchers' databases, geographic information systems, and the creation of 3D reconstructions and models based on them, it is noted that the process of using digital tools is at an initial stage. This is due to the fact that new tools require archaeologists to have extensive knowledge of a wide range of software, which includes blocks of geographic information systems, 3D modeling, programs for creating electronic databases, and so on. However, in our reality, it is practically impossible to demand this from an archaeologist. Given the funding of archaeological research by the state or institutions, mastering a new profession for domestic specialists seems doubtful and can only be carried out on the exceptional enthusiasm of the researcher. Outsourcing appears more logical, where the archaeologist only provides scientific support while working with IT specialists to implement the scientific project. Such a situation can only be resolved in the long run by preparing future archaeologists and introducing a cycle of disciplines in information technology into educational and professional programs, where higher education students will master digital tools and software that can be used in the professional activities of an archaeologist.