A Puzzle in 4D

The case study "A puzzle in 4D" is a scientific cooperative project between the host institution OREA/Austrian Academy of Science and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology as well as others (see partners). The project is financed by the Nationalstiftung für Forschung, Technologie & Entwicklung (DH 2014/12), ÖAW call: Digital Humanities: Long term projects in cultural heritage.

"A puzzle in 4D" is designed as a case study for the development of a repository for archaeological data. It will provide long-term preservation for the rich archaeological resources, knowledge and information of the long-term Austrian excavation project at Tell el-Dab'a in Egypt. Digital and non-digital excavation data will be integrated according to stratigraphic (i.e. archaeological spatio-temporal) principles, enriched with metadata and prepared for long-term archiving based on national and international standards and in accordance with open-access policies.

Within the project a pilot study on an early 13th dynasty palace will be used for developing a GIS- based stratigraphical methodology for the spatial and temporal expert analysis in a 4D AIS visualization. Finally, a virtual reconstruction of the site model will allow researchers as well as the interested public to experience the ancient site and its colorful, astonishing and world-famous Minoan wall paintings.