I recently had the pleasure of serving as co-host for the ArchaeoTech Podcast with Chris Webster while Paul Zimmerman was out of the country for several weeks. In total, I co-hosted three episodes between and August 4. Summaries and links to the episodes are provided below. While the topics generally focus on GIS and 3D applications in archaeology, we also explore some interesting tangents. For instance, the last podcast (#185) we speculate sci fi-style about the role of sentient AI’s in ethnoarchaeology!
In Episode 183 Chris and I discuss the use of 3D and VR technologies in historical archaeology, returning to my first appearance on the podcast back in 2019. We discuss current progress on the Rosewood Heritage & VR Project as well as the importance of experimentation and what I call a “maker’s mindset” in digital archaeology. My thoughts on this boil down to, “Don’t be afraid to F it up!” In other words, we need to encourage students and other archaeologists to realize that error is a powerful teacher in digital archaeology, and, perhaps, in life?
In Episode 184 Chris and I discuss the free and open-source GIS software QGIS. I’ve become a big proponent of QGIS in recent years, using it for my research and teaching. We discuss how to get up and running with QGIS, including pointing out my QGIS 4 Arch YouTube course that let’s everyone learn how to use this great software for archaeology and heritage. We also discuss various tips, tricks, and customizations to help archaeologists get the most out of this impressive software.
My final stint as co-host – for now! – focuses on recent work in Rosewood, and specifically the mix of open-source software I used to create the Virtual Rosewood Cemetery. This cemetery, so important to the history of this community and holding important clues about the events of 1923 that destroyed Rosewood, is today on private property. We wrap up the episode with conjecture (speculation?) about the role virtual and other digital technologies hold for the future of our discipline.
