Bistra Gyaourova
Until recently the application of modern digital technologies in Bulgarian archaeology was very limited. However, in the past several years researchers become more acquainted with the advantages of the digital tools and their usage became more widespread. During the last archaeological season, more than 15 sites were surveyed through geophysical methods which allowed for a non-destructive investigation. Total stations measuring, LIDAR scanning and areal photogrammetry were applied in some cases. Furthermore, there are a few sites being excavated at the moment, which cannot be properly explored without the help of modern surveying methods. All of these are big sites, sometimes situated on slopes, where conventional archaeological methods are not effective. Unfortunately, archaeologists face some problems using the digital information gained from the field. Usually they lack knowledge of special tools and software to use effectively these data. That urges the investigators to seek ways to use best the available technological tools according to specific site conditions and the possibilities of the team. The lecture will present the newest projects in Bulgaria, where the modern technologies are used and discuss some of the problems that archaeologists and other specialists face in applying them on the field and in the post excavation analysis.