Experiments with Mixed and Augmented Reality (MR/AR) for Archaeological Data Collection and Use during Fieldwork: Vision for the Future

Abstract

<p>Most prior uses of mixed and augmented reality (MR/AR) in archaeology have focused on tourism, museums, and education, but we see bright potential for using 3D immersive technologies directly during active excavations. As a first step towards this vision, we ran four experiments with three different head-mounted hardware devices during our fieldwork in the South Caucasus. The devices are the Vuzix Blade 2 AR smart glasses, as well as the Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Meta Quest Pro MR headsets. Our first experiment aims to replace our smartphone data collection workflows with the hands-free AR and MR headsets using gesture interaction and voice recognition. Our second experiment used MR to allow us to view precisely placed 3D models of previously excavated remains in situ in the trench for stratigraphic comparisons. Our third experiment implemented a novel depth-guidance system in the HoloLens 2 to guide real excavation towards a precisely flat surface. In our fourth experiment, a user wearing the HoloLens 2 joined real and virtual pottery sherds in the excavation lab. Although the currently available hardware devices are not yet sufficient for regular use during fieldwork, our experiments demonstrate significant potential. Therefore, we plan to continue building towards our vision for the future where MR and AR immersive technologies provide enhanced vision and data interaction to working archaeologists in the field.</p>