Swedigarch Inspirational Lecture #7 with Dr Paola Derudas, Lund University

3D Visualisation and FAIR Archaeological Practice: Perspectives from an AIR System’s Designer, User, and Mediator

Warmly Welcome to our seventh inspirational lecture with Dr Paola Derudas, DARKLab, Lund University. The lecture will be delivered on Zoom: [https://uu-se.zoom.us/j/69250557548]

November 5, 4 pm – 5.30 pm (CET/UTC +1)

Abstract

As 3D visualisation becomes increasingly central to archaeological documentation and interpretation, ensuring that these digital resources are FAIR is crucial. Combining 3D technologies with FAIR principles supports not only transparent research but also enables meaningful reuse of data by a diverse range of users, including scholars, heritage professionals, and community members.

During the talk, I will reflect on current needs and challenges in archaeological practice related to 3D visualisation and FAIR data principles, drawing on the perspectives of multiple stakeholders:

1. practitioners (archaeologists and specialists working with investigations),
2. potential data users and re-users (including peers, GLAM professionals, and community members),
3. institutions responsible for long-term data preservation and accessibility at both national and international levels.

Using the case of the Archaeological Interactive Report (AIR), a system designed to document and publish archaeological investigations online enriched with advanced 3D visualisation functionalities, I will illustrate how Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability can be practically addressed through the integration of interactive 3D visualisation with semantic structuring and publication workflows. Speaking from the combined perspectives of system designer, user, and mediator between archaeologists and developers, I will explore the evolving role of such infrastructures in responding to diverse user needs. Finally, I will consider future directions, particularly in light of the growing impact of AI and large language models on both daily workflows and the broader discipline of archaeology.

About Paola

Paola Derudas is a researcher in archaeology at Lund University and a member of the Digital Archaeology Laboratory (DARKLab). She is also part of the EU-funded Transforming Data Reuse in Archaeology (TETRARCHs) project. She completed her PhD in Archaeology at Lund University in 2023, specialising in the application of 3D digital technologies in archaeological practice. One of her notable achievements is the Archaeological Interactive Report (AIR), an online system for documenting and publishing archaeological investigations which is now used in many projects across Sweden, Greece and Sardinia. She has participated in the activities of the Archaeological Excavation Modelling Working Group within the Ariadne Plus project. Backed by a strong international network and collaborations, her research focuses on using web 3D visualisation and semantic technologies to improve archaeological practice. She has a particular interest in the reuse of 3D data, FAIR-compliant data and infrastructures, and participatory approaches to archaeology.