Digital methods in the history and archaeology of cities

HAC103 Digital methods in the history and archaeology of cities

Professor: Markos KATSIANIS | Course outline [pdf file]

The subject of the course is the presentation and critical analysis of current digital approaches for the long-term study of the cultural heritage of cities. In recent years, digital technology has had a crucial impact in History and Archeology through novel approaches targeting new ways of valorising, promoting and mediating cultural heritage. A multitude of constantly evolving digital approaches (Geographic Information Systems, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Digital Storytelling, Digital Cultural Routes, Crowdsourcing, etc.) have changed the collection, organization, analysis and communication practices of the urban heritage bridging the fragmentation of available materials remains and related archival evidence. The course examines the interdisciplinary nature of research into the urban past with an emphasis on the standing monuments, the archaeological remains and the historical sources that can be combined for the holistic management and creative use of the urban cultural resources. This overview of the different digital approaches employs relevant application examples, from Greece and abroad, contextualising in each case the data augmentation processes and the validity or authenticity of the produced representations of the urban past. At the same time, the study of urban cultural heritage is linked to modern urban transformation issues, such as urban sprawl, urban gentrification,
touristification and smart cities.