Why it matters
Without AI, phasing decisions risk inconsistency when integrating dating evidence, stratigraphy, and period plans, leading to backlogs in post-excavation assessment, delayed reporting, and incomplete archive deposition.
From design to safety
Design
AI supports initial phasing framework
The AI reads the context sheets, stratigraphic records, and dating evidence to propose initial phase sequences, suggesting probable periods and a narrative arc for the site.
- Stratigraphy trench wall
- Period plan drawing board
- Radiocarbon dating sample bag
- Dating evidence matrix binder
Build
Data capture informs phase boundaries
During record capture, the AI cross-references context sheets, plan sheets, and sample labels to refine the phasing model and prepare for assessment and stakeholders' review.
- Stratigraphy trench wall
- Period plan drawing board
- Radiocarbon dating sample bag
- Archive deposition box
Operation
Narrative synthesis and reporting draft
AI assembles a draft chronology narrative from contexts, radiocarbon results, and period plans, ready for curator review and matrix validation and quality assurance checks before submission.
- Stratigraphy trench wall
- Period plan drawing board
- Radiocarbon dating sample bag
- Archive deposition box
Maintenance
Versioning and data integrity checks
The system tracks changes in phase interpretation, updates dating evidence, and logs archive deposition status for traceability and audit trail entries for compliance with standards.
- Archive deposition box
- Radiocarbon dating sample bag
- Period plan drawing board
- Stratigraphy trench wall
Safety
Audit trail for safety and consent
All phasing decisions are auditable by the qualified archaeologist and retained for HER submissions, planning conditions, and post-excavation assessments.
- Period plan drawing board
- Archive deposition box
- Stratigraphy trench wall
- Radiocarbon dating sample bag
Part by part
- 1
Stratigraphy trench wall
- Watch for
- Layer boundaries obscured by later disturbances or reworked deposits; ambiguity flagged for expert review.
- AI action
- Detect cut-and-fill transitions; flag ambiguous boundaries for expert review and advise reconciliation.
- 2
Period plan drawing board
- Watch for
- Inconsistent period assignments across adjacent sections and plan overlays.
- AI action
- Suggest harmonized phase slots and highlight conflicts for reconciling across contexts.
- 3
Radiocarbon dating sample bag
- Watch for
- Mislabeled or degraded samples during transport or storage holding conditions.
- AI action
- Flag potential mislabeling; trigger re-check before dating workflows by supervisor.
- 4
Dating evidence matrix binder
- Watch for
- Unmatched dating terms with stratigraphic units in the primary matrix.
- AI action
- Cross-check dates with contexts; propose revised sequence and document rationale.
- 5
Archive deposition box
- Watch for
- Incomplete metadata or missing provenance and storage location.
- AI action
- Ensure provenance chain is complete; generate archive deposition checklist and file retention notes.
- 6
Context sheet binder
- Watch for
- Missing context numbers or Harris matrix links in the field notebook.
- AI action
- Auto-link to context IDs; prompt field team for missing data.
Worked example
Chronology synthesis on a 4 ha development site with bronze Age to medieval layers
Illustrative scenario with sample data.
Post-excavation analysis integrates stratigraphy, radiocarbon dates, and period plans to produce a coherent phase chronology and narrative.
Signal in
Context sheets: C1-C48, stratigraphic phase notes, period plan drafts, radiocarbon dates: 2000-CT-01, 2000-CT-02, site location: Grid C-Block (4 ha).
System out
Chronology report draft with phased narrative, period plan overlays, and an archive deposition package ready for HER submission.
Human sign-off: Post-excavation manager to approve the chronology narrative and archive deposition readiness.
How to roll it out
Phase 1
Weeks 1 to 4: Baseline
Install AI phasing module, link to existing HER and archive systems, and calibrate data ingestion.
Phase 2
Weeks 5 to 8: Integration
Ingest all post-exc excavation data, refine phase sequences, produce draft chronology and period plans.
Phase 3
Weeks 9 to 12: Validation
Curator review, statistical checks, and finalisation of archive deposition protocol.
Where people stay in charge
- All phasing decisions require sign-off by the qualified project archaeologist and the lead finds specialist.
- The final chronology and archive deposition must be approved by the client’s heritage consultant and planning archaeologist.
- The system must retain auditable records and not override official records; changes require traceable justification.
Questions owners and crews ask
How does AI help integrate radiocarbon dates with stratigraphic sequences?
The AI aligns radiocarbon dates to the closest stratigraphic contexts, flags outliers, and presents a coherent phase sequence consistent with the Harris matrix for expert review.
What records are created for archive deposition when using AI phasing?
An archive deposition package is generated with context numbers, phase justifications, dating evidence, and narrative linkage, ready for deposition with the research archive.
Who reviews AI-generated chronology before reporting?
The project archaeologist and the client's heritage consultant review the chronology, plan overlays, and archive readiness prior to HER submission.
Can AI detect inconsistencies in period plans with artifact assemblages?
Yes, the system flags mismatches between period plans and dating evidence, prompting re-evaluation of contexts and revised phase assignments.