Robust Digital Tools May Not Break or Make Fieldwork, But They Sure Help

Abstract

Supporting multi-team integrated data collection during archaeological fieldwork takes substantial effort and redeploying established toolkits in a new setting is no less challenging (Ames et al. 2020; Boyd et al. 2021). Taking the Field Acquired Information Management Systems (FAIMS) Mobile platform v.2.6 (https://www.fedarch.org/) as an example, we explore the challenges associated with repurposing existing modules from the FAIMS project public Github library, from one archaeological survey project to another. In January 2020, we transplanted our established digital fieldwork from Bulgaria to Greece at short notice. While in the field, we adapted two existing modules from FAIMS Github for feature recording and intensive survey, using a DIY approach. We supported four teams in multiple workflows and seamlessly produced clean data despite poor internet, power shortages, a novice workforce and no external technical support. After the initial module setup, testing and troubleshooting, no technical handholding of the system was necessary, attesting to the maturity and resilience of FAIMS Mobile. The prerequisites that made FAIMS portable included the generalised nature of the platform and our familiarity with the FAIMS2.6 software and command-line interface. The experience demonstrated that the FAIMS module library on Github is a valuable resource for field projects favouring a DIY approach. Researchers equipped with limited computational skills can engage in rapid prototyping, even during pilot projects, and ensure considerable data integrity within exploratory settings.