Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
93
9
https://eipublication.com/index.php/jsshrf
TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
96-98
DOI
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
19 March 2025
ACCEPTED
15 April 2025
PUBLISHED
17 May 2025
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue05 2025
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
The Importance of Digital
Technologies in Studying
the Ancient Sites of The
Surkhan Valley
Khaydarov Diyorbek
Master of Oriental University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Abstract:
The Surkhan Valley in Uzbekistan is a
significant archaeological region rich in ancient sites
that offer valuable insights into Central Asian history.
The integration of digital technologies has transformed
the study and preservation of these archaeological
treasures. This article explores the impact of digital tools
such as 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, GIS, and
remote sensing on documenting, reconstructing, and
analyzing the ancient sites of the Surkhan Valley. These
technologies facilitate precise recording, virtual
visualization, and non-invasive exploration, ensuring the
protection and accessibility of cultural heritage for
future generations. Additionally, digital platforms
enhance public engagement and educational outreach,
fostering a broader appreciation
of the region’s
historical significance. The paper underscores the
crucial role of digital innovations in advancing
archaeological research and heritage conservation in
the Surkhan Valley.
Keywords:
Digital technologies, Surkhan Valley,
archaeological
heritage,
3D
laser
scanning,
photogrammetry, GIS, virtual reconstruction, heritage
preservation, remote sensing, cultural tourism.
Introduction:
The
integration
of
scientific
advancements
achieved
through
technological
development into the educational process and scientific
research remains one of the most pressing challenges
facing the science and education systems today.
The study of ancient material culture is a cornerstone of
archaeological research, providing insights into the
lives, traditions, and societal structures of past
civilizations. The Surkhan Valley, located in southern
Uzbekistan, is a region rich in archaeological heritage,
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Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
with significant remnants of Bronze Age settlements,
artifacts, and architectural complexes [1]. Over the
years, traditional methods such as excavation,
cataloging, and manual analysis have been
instrumental in understanding this ancient civilization.
However, the advent of digital technologies has
revolutionized the field of archaeology, offering
innovative tools to enhance the efficiency, accuracy,
and depth of research. This report explores the
importance of digital technologies in studying the
ancient material culture of the Surkhan Valley.
International experiences highlight the importance of
incorporating modern technological innovations into
archaeological research. These advancements are
particularly relevant to the study of Uzbekistan's
archaeology, where the material culture of the Bronze
Age in the Surkhan Valley has been extensively studied.
Information technologies play a pivotal role in this
regard, offering new opportunities for data
management, visualization, and interpretation.
In the field of archaeology, it is possible to utilize a
number of opportunities offered by modern
information technologies. Below, we will briefly
discuss some of them.
Digital Databases for Archaeological Data. One of the
most significant contributions of digital technology to
archaeology is the creation of electronic databases [2,
p. 25]. These databases allow researchers to
systematically organize, store, and analyze vast
amounts of information related to archaeological
findings. In the case of the Surkhan Valley, where
extensive excavations have uncovered thousands of
artifacts, digital databases provide several advantages,
for example Ease of Access: Unlike traditional paper
catalogs, electronic databases can be accessed
remotely by researchers worldwide, fostering
collaboration and knowledge-sharing; Efficient Data
Retrieval:
Advanced
search
functions
enable
archaeologists to quickly locate specific data, such as
artifact descriptions, excavation dates, or geographical
locations; Data Preservation: Digital storage ensures
that valuable information is preserved indefinitely,
reducing the risk of loss due to physical degradation.
For example, Sanobar Juraeva's project, the "i-
tourism" platform, focuses on creating a digital
repository of historical, cultural, and ethnographic
sites in the Surkhandarya oasis [3].
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology. GPS
sta
nds for “Global Positioning System” which is a global
positioning system consisting of a network of 24
navigation satellites that orbit the Earth. The satellites
regularly provide precise time and location
information. Using GPS is associated with the
application of modern information technologies,
primarily based on computer databases and Geographic
Information Systems (GIS). GIS is an automated
hardware-software complex that collects topographical,
geodetic, land, water resources, and other cartographic
information about natural and societal objects and
events, processes this data, stores it in computer
memory, updates it, analyzes it, and allows for further
processing [4].
The use of professional GPS devices in archaeology is
considered a special remote sensing method of
archaeological exploration. Remote sensing refers to
identifying specific features of an archaeological object
from a certain distance. Currently, one of the most
efficient, compact, and cost-effective methods in
archaeology is undoubtedly GPS technology. The main
tasks of GPS include collecting, verifying, and analyzing
data. Depending on their characteristics, GPS systems
are divided into two types: 1) navigational receivers, and
2) geodetic precision systems [5]. The first type ensures
the determination of the current stable coordinates of a
particular object, allowing you to locate your position on
the Earth's surface with an accuracy of up to 15 meters.
These devices are convenient to use, compact, and the
time required to acquire coordinates can take just a few
seconds or minutes. Although geodetic GPS systems are
relatively complex devices, they have the ability to
determine the location of an object with an error margin
of only a few centimeters [6]. In the territory of
Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan-Japan (K. Kyudzo, B.A.
Turgunov, Sh. Pidaev), Uzbekistan-Germany (Sh.
Shaydullaev, D. Huff, K. Kaniut), Uzbekistan-France (P.
Leriche, Sh. Rakhmonov, T. Annaev, Sh. Pidaev),
Uzbekistan-Russia (E. Rtveladze, J. Ilyasov, T.
Mkrtichyev, S. Bolelov, N. Dvurechenskaya), Uzbekistan-
Czech Republic (K. Abdullaev, A. Shaydullaev, L.
Stanchо), Uzbekistan
-China (Wu Xin, V. Sverchkov, N.
Boroffka), and other similar international expeditions,
both local and foreign archaeologists were extensively
utilized modern technologies [7]. It is worth noting that
the use of new techniques and technologies during
these expeditions has brought certain innovations to
the archaeology and history of Uzbekistan. In this
regard, it is possible to mention the use of GIS
technology and note that the number of monuments in
the Sherobod district of Surkhandarya region has
exceeded 200 [8].
Today, many GIS systems are employed in scientific
research and practical activities, among which personal
GIS systems are widespread. Examples include GeoDraw
GeoGraph (Russia), AtlasGis and WinGis (USA), ArcInfo,
MapInfo (USA), and other software programs.
3D (three-dimensional) modeling in archaeology. One of
the most important aspects of virtual archaeology is 3D
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Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
(three-dimensional)
modeling
technology.
This
technology, which provides positive results in many
fields, is becoming increasingly popular.
3D modeling is the creation of a three-dimensional
project based on an architectural plan, drawing, image,
or other sources. With the help of modern computer
technologies, it is now possible to reconstruct
archaeological sites and ancient architectural
structures. Foreign archaeologists extensively use
software such as AutoCad, MicroStation, AutoCad
Map, Easy Cad, 3DsMax, and similar programs. These
tools allow archaeologists to effectively recreate three-
dimensional models of settlements, architectural
structures, and archaeological finds during field
research.
In recent years, special attention has been paid in
Uzbekistan to the creation of reconstruction models
based on 3D modeling technology for archaeological
monuments. For instance, a notable project in this
regard is the one carried out around the ancient
Kampirtepa monument in southern Uzbekistan. This
model was reconstructed using specialized software
and technological capabilities, based on E.V.
Rtveladze's long-term research, and was publicly
displayed in August 2019 during the cultural heritage
week titled “Uzbekistan –
crossroads of civilizations
and roads: empires, religion, culture”.
Data obtained as a result of historical and
archaeological research has served as the basis for
reconstructing three-dimensional models of important
monuments from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages, such
as Sopollitepa, Jarkutan, Kyzylcha 6, and Talashtepa,
which are considered historical and cultural heritage
sites.
Architectural
designs
and
hand-drawn
reconstruction models of these monuments have been
featured in a number of books. Based on this data, it is
possible to reconstruct not only individual monuments
but also the landscape and natural geographic
environment [2, p. 112]. The creation of 3D models of
archaeological monuments in such a direction holds
significant scientific importance. Additionally, such
projects play a special role in popularizing ancient
history and expanding the tourism potential of the
country.
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