Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2020

24 |  VALUES, BENEF ITS AND LEGACY Access to maritime archaeology for all: tools to visualise, understand and value significant heritage assets JULIE SATCHELL MCIfA, MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY TRUST The previous article explored how maritime archaeology geophysical survey techniques are being used to collect more extensive and better data and visualise it to help us better understand historic environment assets underwater. These techniques are also helping archaeologists to overcome the fact that few people can physically visit these shipwrecks and submerged landscapes, so helping people to value them more. This article focuses on how maritime archaeologists are using these and other technologies to improve interpretation and access and develop diverse ways of presenting maritime and coastal sites, helping to overcome the perception that sites are remote, scarce and difficult to access. This is enabling maritime heritage to be fully explored, understood and enjoyed by all. The Maritime Archaeology Trust (MAT) is one of the longest-running specialist maritime archaeological organisations in the UK, undertaking a wide range of work across the UK and internationally. The need to make sites accessible has driven the MAT’s holistic approach, which embeds learning, involvement and enjoyment of heritage within its projects. An active education and outreach programme and running the Isle of Wight Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum provide opportunities for public engagement for all ages through a range of traditional visits and workshops, in addition to expanding online, digital and virtual access and learning. In 2004 the MAT established a trading company – Maritime Archaeology Ltd (MA) – which undertakes development-led work, with all surplus generated going to support the charitable work of the MAT. This organisational set up allows MAT to pioneer innovative research and recording techniques in an area of the discipline that is rapidly changing due to the application of technology. Its development-led work benefits from this experience, where solutions ahead of marine construction are using the most up-to-date equipment and approaches as well as promoting opportunities for public engagement. The use of technology is apparent in all aspects of archaeological practice; geophysical survey, data capture and analysis; artefact scanning and 3D printing, modelling and visualisation have all become The wreck thought to be the Ocean exposed following winter storms and accessible at low spring tides off Hayling Island, Hampshire Divers surfacing following photogrammetric recording of a 108m-long wreck site at 40m depth in a total of just 78 minutes over two dives