# Redefining Archaeological Research: Digital Tools, Challenges, and Integration in Advancing Methods
## 3 Types of Digital Tools  
### Geographic Information Systems (GISs)  
Geographic information systems (GISs) have been utilized in archaeology since the 1980s [8]. Traditional methods involved manually creating site plans and recording excavation details by hand, with physical documentation--such as notes, drawings, and photographs--being the primary means of storing site information. Spatial relationships between sites were typically analyzed using manual calculations or simple tools.  
GISs revolutionize this process by enabling the integration of spatially related data from various sources within a user-friendly environment. They allows researchers to monitor the spatial distribution of archaeological sites, detect patterns, and compare historical features. This technology provides an effective means of organizing and maintaining archaeological data. Using advanced GIS tools, archaeologists can identify potential archaeological sites based on factors such as topography, land use, and historical records. GISs also help researchers gain deeper insights into the spatial context of sites, facilitating more informed decisions about excavation strategies [9; 10; 11]. Moreover, GISs support exploration and analysis in both 2D and 3D formats, focusing on visualization, querying, and data analysis to enhance research processes. A 2D GIS integrates vector, raster, and textual data, while advances in the field have introduced 3D and even 4D applications to meet evolving users' needs [12].  
Several studies demonstrate how digital tools can enhance archaeological documentation, proving that GISs facilitate more accurate data collection and efficient site location analysis [13]. Representative works include the study in [14], which used GIS applications for the comprehensive mapping of Khirbat al-Jariya's features in Jordan. Similarly, [PERSON] et al. [15] utilized a GIS to map the locations of the Miran site and ancient Charkhlik in China (Figure 1). In another study, early Roman sites in the Kromme Rijn area of the Netherlands were analyzed using GIS tools, providing a reliable basis for detailed site mapping and significantly improving outcomes compared to traditional mapping methods [16] (Figure 2) [16].  
Figure 1: GIS mapping of the archaeological Miran site (China): (**a**) the locations of the Miran site and ancient Charkhlik in Stein’s archaeological map, which can be downloaded from [[http://dsr.nii.ac.jp/](http://dsr.nii.ac.jp/)]([http://dsr.nii.ac.jp/](http://dsr.nii.ac.jp/)) (accessed on 25 December 2024) (**b**) the conservation area of the Miran site where LATTICs can be seen in the GF-1 PAN image; and (**c**) the Miran Fort. Source: [15].  
[PERSON]'s research [17] applied GIS tools to visualize prehistoric settlement patterns in southern Africa, produce 3D cave formations, and develop information systems for heritage management. These applications demonstrated the versatility of GISs in archaeological research. In [PERSON]'s study [11], the digital documentation of the Upper Paleolithic site of Bad Kosen-Lengefeld was developed using a GIS. Orthophotos derived from structure-from-motion processing were integrated into the GIS to define the source of the findings. This research showed that GIS tools enhanced recording accuracy, minimized transcription errors and excavator mistakes, and reduced post-processing time.