Needs Assessment in Archaeoinformatics Research: A Case Study on GIS Documentation of the Tumuli in and around Mount Nif (Olympos)
Onur Sefer ÖZBALABAN
Abstract
In studies conducted within the scope of digital archaeology, the sustainability of the data generated and its scalability across projects are increasingly at risk in the years to come. These risks are exacerbated by factors such as outdated databases, data formats abandoned due to software or hardware incompatibilities, and the inadequacy of qualified expert resources, despite constantly evolving infrastructure needs. However, the definition of digital archaeology remains confined to the mere visualisation of archaeological finds or the storage of data. Furthermore, data analysis, accessibility, and storage methods, as well as the technical requirements for these processes in the medium and long term, are often overlooked.
The purpose of this study is to emphasise the importance of needs assessment within the context of archaeoinformatics, which encompasses archaeological data science and computer science research. Needs assessment is a process for determining priorities in relation to current conditions and desired outcomes. In particular, institutions working in the field of informatics employ this strategy to enhance productivity in their projects. Needs assessment is a dynamic process that begins at the planning stage of a research project and must be continuously updated in order to achieve its objectives.
This article discusses how to implement needs assessment and related digital archaeology project management practices, which are often conducted indirectly in archaeological studies but should be maintained on a more systematic basis. The outcomes and developmental aspects of needs assessment conducted in archaeoinformatics research are presented through a case study on the GIS-based documentation of Mount Nif (Olympos) and its surrounding tumuli.
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