Archaeology seeks to understand human history through the excavation of artifacts and structures created and used by people thousands of years ago—ranging from buildings to everyday items like pottery and animal bones left from meals. While many excavation projects generate digital 3D representations of their findings, archaeologists are actively exploring better methods to use this data. Some projects share these 3D models with the public to promote tourism and education, and many may have encountered such displays at museums recently. Nonetheless, archaeologists have yet to fully leverage these models for their research and fieldwork. However, this is soon to change!
Archaeologists from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) are transforming the excavation and documentation processes of ancient sites through innovative 3D immersive technologies.
Archaeology seeks to uncover the human experience by examining objects and structures from thousands of years ago—everything from architecture to everyday items such as pottery bowls and animal bones used in meals. Although many excavation initiatives produce digital 3D models of their findings, archaeologists are in search of effective strategies to utilize this data meaningfully. Some projects circulate 3D models to the public for educational and tourism purposes, and many may have recently noticed 3D exhibits in museums. Yet, archaeologists have not fully tapped into these models to enhance their own research and field methods. That is changing!
By donning Mixed and Augmented Reality (MR/AR) headsets while digging, the HKU team is pioneering the interactive use of digital 3D data at excavation sites. These MR headsets allow users to effortlessly see and interact with both the real environment and 3D models seamlessly integrated within it, utilizing devices like the Microsoft HoloLens 2 and the Meta Quest Pro. Conversely, AR smart glasses project information on a small screen embedded in the lenses and come equipped with cameras and microphones for hands-free data gathering.
These technologies are vital in archaeology, a field often labeled as a ‘destructive science’, where data collection entails the excavation and removal of artifacts, thereby preventing others from exploring the same site in the future.
The HKU team has applied these innovative technologies in their fieldwork in Armenia, where they often excavate ancient stone structures and pottery to expose earlier layers. Professor Peter J. Cobb from the HKU Faculty of Arts emphasized the advantages of this technology, stating: “Wearing an MR device while I dig allows me to virtually visualize a removed wall in its original position. This helps me determine where to dig next, and I can compare different sections of ancient structures that were unearthed at various times in real-time.”
Moreover, the team employs AR smart glasses for fundamental data documentation, such as taking photographs and utilizing voice recognition for note-taking. Professor Cobb highlighted that “It’s essential for archaeologists to keep their hands free while recording information, as we need to hold our tools while excavating.”
Mr. Hayk Azizbekyan, a PhD candidate from HKU and a key researcher in this study, noted: “Using MR and AR headsets at actual archaeological digs for assisting teamwork is groundbreaking! I’m eager to explore future methods of studying historical artifacts and safeguarding cultural heritage. We refer to this project as our ‘vision for the future’, as the technology allows new ways of ‘viewing’ our past.”
The team also uses an MR headset to compare 3D scanned fragments of ancient pottery with physical samples, enhancing the analysis of artifacts that cannot be accessed in museums. They anticipate that artificial intelligence will facilitate the matching of these fragments by their shapes in the future.
These innovative findings were recently published in the Journal of Computer Applications in Archaeology (JCAA), which ranks 8th out of more than 350 archaeology journals globally, according to Scopus.
Professor Cobb mentioned: “Interestingly, the journal had a challenging time recruiting peer reviewers because our approach was so original.” He also led a discussion on these innovations at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW) at New York University (NYU) on November 13, 2024.
This interdisciplinary study connects the fields of humanities and engineering, propelled by the team’s enthusiasm for advancing archaeology through a distinct Arts-Tech collaboration with HKU engineers. The Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing of the HKU Faculty of Engineering provided the necessary equipment and expertise. Acknowledging the limitations of current MR/AR headsets, the multidisciplinary team is now in the process of developing custom smart glasses for upcoming excavation seasons.
