Archaeologists at Flinders University who use advanced technology to discover ancient hidden sites around the world showcased the benefits of using digital tools to Adelaide high school students in a special event at Bedford Park campus today.
Almost a hundred students and members of the public learned about field technologies deployed at archaeology sites from Flinders experts hosting the “Explore Flinders Archaeology” event as part of National Archaeology Week.
The Flinders event included demonstrations of archaeological research equipment such as 3D mapping and excavation, practical activities such as site digs, stone tool manufacturing, science lab tours on campus, and a tour to see RV Bungaree, the boat that takes students and staff on expeditions to dive for submerged archaeological sites along the Australian coast.
Associate Professor and Australian Research Council Future Fellow Dr Liam Brady says the National Archaeology Week event provided an opportunity to demonstrate the exciting careers on offer in archaeology and address how rapidly evolving technologies are being used to make new discoveries.
“There are so many opportunities in archaeology that Australia isn’t actually producing enough archaeologists to fill the jobs currently available in the booming cultural heritage industry,” says Dr Brady.
“AI technology will never be able to take over specialist roles that require field expertise, because it requires an inquisitive mind to undertake digs in the Australian outback and then follow these up with evidence-based research and analysis, although technology can definitely support these efforts by improving the way we look at sites.
“Around the world, we are already seeing AI being used to uncover previously unknown or overlooked sites by analysing satellite images and piecing together fragments of ancient artefacts that we struggled to previously understand.
“From a student’s perspective, the archaeology world really is their oyster, and this industry will continue to need skills they can be developed by studying at Flinders University.”