Observing reuse of 3D data in archaeological excavations

This study focuses on understanding how archaeologists interact with and reuse 3D data during excavation, drawing on an ad-hoc experiment and a discourse analysis approach taken from socio-linguistic disciplines. The experiment, conducted during the excavation of an Iron Age ‘central place’ in Sweden, reveals the multifaceted utility of 3D models in archaeological discussions. Our analysis shows that these models function as effective tools for visualisation and measurement, and they support interpretation, decision-making, and knowledge production in the field. The results demonstrate that when appropriate tools are available for accessing and working with digital data, including 3D models, instances of reuse increase significantly, improving communication, knowledge exchange, and interpretive reasoning during excavation. These findings highlight the importance of continuing to explore how 3D models are reused within archaeological workflows, particularly to facilitate collaborative interpretation and field-based decision-making.