From Discovery to Insight: Challenges and Opportunities of Computational Archaeology Based on Experiences from the Second Season of Mariwan Archaeological Surveys

Subject Areas : Interdisciplinary studies

Samran Asiabani ^{1 *} , Nemat Hariri ² , Mohammad Masoumian ³ , Mojgan Saif Panahi ⁴ , Fateh Zarefar ⁵

1 - M.A. in Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University.
2 - Department of Geology, Faculty of Geology, University of Tehran.
3 - Department of Archaeology, University of Kurdistan, Iran.
4 - Archeology expert of the General Department of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism of Kurdistan Province
5 - PhD Candidate in Prehistoric Archaeology, University of Tehran.

Received: 2025-06-02 Accepted : 2025-08-02 Published : 2025-08-22

Keywords: Archaeologic Survey, Data Management, Remote Sensing, Zagros Mountain,

Abstract :

The novelty of archaeology as a discipline, compared to other sciences, and the multidimensionality of its issues have created fertile ground for integrating and utilizing other sciences. This trend is evident across various branches and emerging approaches within archaeology. Almost all archaeological fields are engaged in a shared pursuit of applying data science techniques and concepts. This widespread interest stems from recent advancements and achievements by pioneers who have managed to solve archaeological problems once considered highly complex or even impossible. However, employing such methods in archaeological studies requires preparations and necessary actions already during the fieldwork phase of projects. The multitude of archaeological challenges, the uniqueness of fieldwork, and the non-reproducibility of field activities pose significant difficulties for most research projects. Obtaining non-processable, incomplete, inconsistent, costly, or error-prone data — and sometimes outright incorrect data — represents just part of the challenges archaeologists face. Although these issues arise during the fieldwork stage, they often remain hidden within spreadsheets and datasets, only becoming apparent later during post-survey analysis. At the root of many of these problems lies the varying interpretation of the concept and nature of “data.” Ideally, an archaeologist would record and document all available evidence, reconstructing a digital replica of the original remains. However, in theoretical terms, the amount of obtainable data from any artifact is infinite, while archaeological projects are bound by strict time constraints. As a result, it becomes impossible to register and document all possible data related to archaeological finds. Consequently, most archaeological projects are inevitably forced to overlook a significant portion of the data related to the artifacts they encounter. These challenges, among many others, were addressed to the best of our ability during the second season of the Mariwan Archaeological Surveys.

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