After several years of preparatory work, the Archaeological GIS Laboratory (RTL) was established at our Faculty in 2014. The laboratory’s staff consists of lecturers and research colleagues from the Department of Archaeology.
The aim of the RTL is to provide GIS-based and non-invasive archaeological support for the numerous international and domestic research programs associated with archaeological training at our institute, while also offering opportunities for research and development. In addition, the RTL conducts independent methodological research.
Within the framework of the PPKE KAP-5.3-14 and KAP-049-1.1-BTK projects, the Archaeological GIS Laboratory secured research positions in 2014–2015.
Thanks to the PPKE KAP-5.3-14 grant, the RTL is equipped with a state-of-the-art precision Leica Viva GNSS system for geodetic and GIS data collection, a Leica total station, various digital measuring devices, as well as high-performance engineering computers and software for data processing. This enables precise topographic surveys as part of non-invasive archaeology—the foundation of modern archaeological research—as well as the processing of aerial photography, 3D surveys, and geophysical data.
In addition to documenting excavations and fieldwork conducted by the Department of Archaeology, an important task of the laboratory is contributing to the creation of an ecclesiastical archaeology topography and database, in connection with the Church Archaeology Research Group established at our Faculty. The RTL carries out its research programs in cooperation with numerous renowned Hungarian and international museums and research institutions.
Among our short- and medium-term goals are the surveying of monuments, documentation of excavations, and 3D modeling. With the support of the PPKE KAP-15-1.1 grant, our equipment has been expanded with a new ground-penetrating radar and a magnetometer, as well as additional software for data processing. These tools allow us to operate independently in the field of geophysical research and provide related services.
For photogrammetric work, we have drones and the necessary processing software, which have already contributed to the successful completion of numerous projects.
Main Research Programs
- Topographical research and database creation of medieval ecclesiastical monuments
- Archaeological topographical research of destroyed medieval church sites
- Research on the archaeological remains of Pauline monasteries
- IOVIA – topographical research of a Roman-period town, geophysical survey, terrain modeling, and preparation of archaeological excavations
- Modern processing of the archaeological topography of Esztergom
- GIS-based processing of the archaeological and architectural documentation of Castle Hill in Esztergom
- Gerecse Program – complex archaeological topographical research program
- Non-invasive archaeological research of sites at Bajna
- Non-invasive research and documentation of medieval fortresses in the Syrian coastal region
- Iraq – Kurdistan: survey of Dwin Castle, the fortress of Pankan, and their surroundings
- Rome – Ostia: geophysical and 3D photogrammetric survey within the Ostia Forum Project
- Large-scale digitization and shape recognition of archaeological finds
Head of Laboratory
Bendegúz Takáts
archaeologist
Email: takats.mor.bendeguz@btk.ppke.hu
