ABSTRACT
What can be argued about modelling complex phenomena such as movement and illumination? Or by including large 3D datasets acquired by UASs? This chapter illustrates some opportunities connected with the recent introduction and spread of new sensors and acquisition methods such as Artificial Intelligence or active and passive sensors for recording new and multi-resolution archaeological information in continuity, and for classifying and examining material and non-material aspects of past realities. As discussed in the previous chapters, 3D Geographical Information Systems constitute an important resource for archaeologists studying geospatial phenomena and can help them to cope with the complexity of data representation. Whether these phenomena are related to material culture, the natural environment or human experience, it is crucial to rethink our strategies for their collection, visualisation and analysis. As the following sections illustrate, the dramatic advances in hardware and software performances provide archaeologists with unprecedented opportunities for research. Although it is hard to foresee which application area will benefit more from such advances, we have already seen how the introduction of new methods for 3D data acquisition has already had an impact on archaeological field practice. Notably, new strands of research are appearing, including the integration of AI-based datasets, complex data and data acquired through VR-based sensors.
