TerraIndex has been a leading software solution for environmental soil investigations for years. But did you know we are also developing a completely new application for archaeological field research? Together with professionals in the field and in archaeological repositories, we are developing a digital solution that makes work simpler, more efficient and more reliable, from excavation to heritage management. (See the trailer at the end of this article!)
Why archaeology?
Conversations with archaeologists and at the Reuvensdagen conference quickly made it clear that archaeology needs further digitalisation. Workflows are fragmented, data is often processed manually and preparing finds for transfer takes a lot of time. This can be improved, and we are keen to contribute.
Our vision is a future where finds can easily be searched and compared in a public repository, where data is recorded accurately in the field with its full context and can be transferred digitally to specialists, municipalities and collection managers.
Developing, testing and improving together
To ensure the app truly meets practical needs, we are not doing this alone. We work closely with archaeologists from organisations including Antea Group and a growing expert group. In late 2024, we visited several field investigations with our UX designer, developers and project manager. This allowed us to see first-hand how data is collected, entered and later processed.
We put these insights into practice immediately, with encouraging results:
- Optimised data entry through a clear GIS map
- Simplified screens for entering field finds, samples, features and fills
- Clear navigation in a familiar file-explorer style
- A flexible data model based on the SIKB0102 delivery standard
The first test version is ready
In early 2025, the first test version was presented to Antea Group. The feedback was valuable and actionable, including clearer labels, improved screens and suggestions for faster data entry. Some changes have already been implemented. The test version showed that we are on the right track and that collaboration makes a real difference.
Specialist tables and standardisation
One of the greatest challenges is standardising specialist tables. We are working with several municipalities and collecting practical examples to develop one flexible model. This is key to exchanging data throughout the archaeological chain.
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Together, we are taking archaeological field research to the next level.