Call for Papers: Visualizing Archaeology

Argument

The visualization of the results of archaeological research has tremendous potential while also risking terrible pitfalls. Illustrations and visualizations concomitantly illuminate and obscure certain aspects of the original data for both professionals and the general public.

Sharing research findings with a general audience may result in oversimplification, while visualizing 3D models or other visual aids can lead to misunderstandings among experts. The limitations of visualization, such as colour coding, the omission of details, and inadequate information can lead to overanalysis, obscure uncertainty or skew tentative conclusions.

The constraints of visualization, ironically, provide a rich terrain for invention. By revealing the whole from a single component, it can spark fresh inquiries, crowd-sourced insights, or local wisdom that uncovers overlooked research avenues. The process of re-explaining or re-framing hypotheses for a broader audience in the realm of popularization acts as a kind of self-reflective mirror for archaeologists and heritage professionals. It prompts us to examine ours own blind spots and methodological biases. Furthermore, the use of cutting-edge media (such as virtual reconstructions and participatory mapping) in dissemination can significantly enhance research pipelines, generate fresh data, foster new hypotheses, and/or refine visualization techniques. The same is true for the interaction between graphic designers, architects, and archaeologists, and of course any creative or artistic discipline.

As a result, visualizing archaeological research data is no longer just the end product of communication. Instead, it becomes a dynamic tool that can reveal research gaps, spark innovation in methodology, and generate new data.

Speakers are invited to discuss real-world examples where the visualization of archaeological data –whether for public or academic audiences– has encountered constraints, but has also uncovered fresh paths for exploration.

Thematic Focuses

1. illustration of archaeological data for general audience (novels, comics, outreach activities in museums or at school, etc.)
2. illustration of archaeological data for scientists (3D modeling, scientific illustrations, etc.)

Participation conditions

You can participate remotely (online) or on-site (see location) as part of the EAA’s 2026 Annual Meeting. More information on the Annual Meeting can be found here. In both cases, a special access online will be provided by EAA for networking and participation.