This book examines how computer-based programs can be used to acquire 'big' digital cultural
heritage data curate and disseminate it over the Internet and in 3D visualization platforms
with the ultimate goal of creating long-lasting digital heritage repositories.' The
organization of the book reflects the essence of new technologies applied to cultural heritage
and archaeology. Each of these stages bring their own challenges and considerations that need
to be dealt with. The authors in each section present case studies and overviews of how each of
these aspects might be dealt with. While technology is rapidly changing the principles laid
out in these chapters should serve as a guide for many years to come. The influence of the
digital world on archaeology and cultural heritage will continue to shape these disciplines as
advances in these technologies facilitate new lines of research.serif>The book is divided into
three sections covering acquisition curation and dissemination (the major life cycles of
cultural heritage data). Acquisition is one of the fundamental challenges for practitioners in
heritage and archaeology and the chapters in this section provide a template that highlights
the principles for present and future work that will provide sustainable models for digital
documentation. Following acquisition the next section highlights how equally important
curation is as the future of digital documentation depends on it. Preservation of digital data
requires preservation that can guarantee a future for generations to come. The final section
focuses on dissemination as it is what pushes the data beyond the shelves of storage and allows
the public to experience the past through these new technologies but also opens new lines of
investigation by giving access to these data to researchers around the globe. Digital
technology promises significant changes in how we approach social sciences cultural heritage
and archaeology. However researchers must consider not only the acquisition and curation but
also the dissemination of these data to their colleagues and the public.Throughout the book
many of the authors have highlighted the usefulness of Structure from Motion (SfM) work for
cultural heritage documentation others the utility and excitement of crowdsourcing as a
'citizen scientist' tool to engage not only trained students and researchers but also the
public in the cyber-archaeology endeavor. Both innovative tools facilitate the curation of
digital cultural heritage and its dissemination. Together with all the chapters in this volume
the authors will help archaeologists researchers interested in the digital humanities and
scholars who focus on digital cultural heritage to assess where the field is and where it is
going.
