Modern fieldwork produces extensive digital material:
• LiDAR datasets
• Photogrammetric meshes
• GIS layers
• Drone imagery
• Context databases
Without structured archiving protocols, this material risks fragmentation or loss.
Data stewardship requires:
• Clear metadata standards
• Secure storage systems
• Version control
• Ethical data access policies
Digital archives must remain usable beyond a single field season. They must be accessible for reinterpretation, comparative study, and long-term monitoring.
Digital technology increases capacity — but only structured management preserves value.
