GIS for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management in Greece. Quo Vadis?

Geospatial Technologies and GeoInformatics have been applied in various sectors over the past 40 years, before being adopted for cultural issues some 20 years ago – mostly as a result of the realization of their potential for landscape studies and cultural resources management (CRM). This trend has not left Greek archaeological research on the fence; instead there has been a continuous increase of applications making use of the particular techniques for diverse purposes. This paper offers a review of some of the current uses of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Archaeological Research and Cultural Heritage Management in Greece. The implications of cultural heritage and archaeological research are manifold and definitely attached to the spatial dimension as it evolves through time. As such, the study of the temporal dynamics of space relies on the application of spatial tools that can help to address questions related to human/environment interaction. Through the fusion of archaeological and environmental data it is possible to explore cultural landscapes at a local or even regional scale. Viewshed analysis, proximity studies, clustering, site catchment, least cost paths, a.o. give a chance to deviate from the traditional 2D analyses and provide a third dimension (and even a fourth dimension) to approach a variety of archaeological issues spanning from communication and trade networks to the way of exploitation of archaeolandscapes and land use. Once the detailed mapping of sites and monuments achieved, cultural heritage management becomes more effective. It is not only feasible to define accurately protection zones but also to proceed to a more sophisticated risk assessment of cultural heritage, considering both natural and anthropogenic risks in an interactive way of synthesis. The particular modeling can be applied at a local or regional scale, or even at the scale of a single monument. GIS can explore other issues, such as the accuracy of maps drawn by ancient travelers. Combined with geophysical prospection, GIS can also provide a locus of the area where ancient monuments used to be visible in the past and through this delineation the research can be focused to specific areas of interest. Taking advantage of remote sensing images, the subsurface traces identified by aerial, satellite or geophysical imagery and maps together with the outstanding monuments can provide a more holistic view of the extend of habitation or the planning of settlements. GIS functionalities are not limited to customized needs but they can also be modified to satisfy a broader spectrum of research or dissemination requirements through the WEB. Coupled with the Google Earth/Maps API, GIS can provide a new tool for researchers and the general public. Virtual museums, cultural itineraries, geospatial databases can be distributed through the WEB, connecting simple or more sophisticated databases with map overlays, so that the user can interact to create thematic maps of interest for specific needs. The above indicate that GIS is far from a simple mapping service. It is a pool of tools and utilities, a means of synthesis and processing that provides a dynamic and interactive way of representation of space and its changes through time. And more is to be expected, from 3D representation to agent based modelling, from network analysis to intra-site modelling, from mobile technologies to virtual reality, all attached to a spatial dimension that can become alive through geospatial technologies.