Geophysics and ground-based digital recording methods for archaeological sites and cultural landscapes

Leiden University & IMS-FORTH Technical Workshops 2013, organizing in partnership with ArchaeoLandscapes Europe:

International Workshop "Geophysics and Ground-Based Digital Recording Methods for Archaeological Sites and Cultural Landscapes"

Part 1: Methods and theory (6th–8th and 14th–17th May 2013) – Leiden, The Netherlands

Part 2: Field applications (July 30th–August 15th 2013) – Hyettos, Boeotia, Greece

Workshop Outline

The 2013 Technical Workshops focus on the promotion of non-destructive methods for recording and retrieval of archaeological data. The programme is organised in cooperation with GeoSat ReSeArch Lab (Lab for Geophysical-Satellite Remote Sensing & Archaeo-environment) of IMS/FORTH, Rethymno, Crete, which specializes in geophysical recording methods for the assessment, interpretation and conservation of complex archeological heritage sites. The Leiden team adds to this their expertise in ground-based digital recording to provide a well-rounded workshop for the participants.

The courses ensure that participants leave the programme proficient in the use of state-of-the-art nondestructive techniques in archaeology (geophysical as well as ground-based digital recording), and gain a sound understanding of analytical approaches to past cultural landscapes. The workshop aims to promote non-destructive methods for the retrieval of archaeological data, and contributes to the enhancement and exchange of knowledge within the ArcLand project.

The course consists of two parts, the first taking place in Leiden in May 2013, focusing on methods and theory of digital recording for archaeological purposes. This will provide participants with a sound understanding of state-of-the-art ground-based digital recording equipment (Total Station, Robotic Total Station and differential GPS) and their use. Part II focuses on the use of geophysical methods under the expert guidance of the experienced team from IMS/FORTH. This part is fully embedded in the ongoing archaeological fieldwork project in Hyettos, Greece.

The courses are fully compatible with the European education guidelines. The techniques and skills acquired in this course are not site specific and can be applied to most time scales. Either or both course units can be attended by participants.

Supervised Practical Work

The courses will concentrate on hands-on training in the use of digital recording equipment (differential GPS and Total Station) and the use of geophysical techniques (resistivity, magnetometry, magnetic susceptibility, geo-radar) for the recording of data at complex cultural heritage sites. The course offers the expert knowledge in geophysical techniques available at IMS/FORTH (Dr Apostolos Saris, Director of GeoSat ReSeArch Lab of IMS/FORTH) and taps into the expertise offered from the faculty of archaeology at Leiden University, including landscape archaeology (Prof. John Bintliff), geodesy (Eric Dullaart, BBA), 3D modeling (Chiara Piccoli, MA), and the human use of space (Dr Hanna Stöger).

Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information on registration and fees. You can download a flyer for this workshop here.

A limited number of ArcLand bursaries will be available for Part II Greece, August 2013.

Download rules and forms here. Please note that the usual 3months-rule for applications does not apply here, the deadline for grant applications is 21 May 2013 (2pm Leiden time), notifications about acceptance or rejection will be send by 27 May 2013 the latest.