Y3 - Special Techtalk Series

Special tech-talk series - Geospatial tech and data for archaeology!

In association with ISRS Pune Chapter and Indian Society of Geomatics.

Schedule for 5 selected talks is as follows.

 

Bhanu Priya Chouhan	Integrating Multi-Resolution Point Clouds into a Heritage Information Model: A Geospatial Framework for Archaeological Documentation at Dholavira	23 Oct 2026
Sourav Kumar	Archaeogeophysical Investigation of Buried Structures at Dholavira Using Ground Penetrating Radar	30 Oct 2026
Madhavan S	Deep Learning Based Semantic Segmentation of Point Cloud for Historic Building Information Modelling	6 Nov 2026
Aditya Ramachandran	Geospatial Documentation of the Cultural Landscape of Chanderi	14 Nov 2026
Pavanteja R	​A Geospatial Study of the Changing Archaeological Landscape of Hangal	20 Nov 2026

 

Speaker details and abstracts can be found here

 

Talk 1 - Bhanu Priya Chouhan

Talk 2 - Sourav Kumar

Talk 3 - Madhavan S

Talk 4 - Aditya Ramachandran

Talk 5 - Pavanteja R

 

Y3 - Techincal Talk 1

Details: 

Date: Monday, 15th June 2026
Time: 7.30 pm

Topic: How to Decode the Process Behind a Sculpture? A Case Study of Badami Chalukyan and Hoysala Sculptural Art through a Computational Approach

  

Guest Speaker: Poorva Salvi 
Recent PhD Graduate,
Archaeological Sciences Centre,
Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, India

Abstract

The study of sculptures from the Indian subcontinent presents a multi-modal perspective into the artistic, religious, social, and political frameworks of the periods in question. Traditional approaches to Indian art relied on stylistic analysis of sculptures, foregrounding subjectivity while studying iconology and iconography to decode the thoughts the sculptures offered, which emerged only after careful scrutiny. The sub-domain of iconometry was limited to deciphering the talamana system (a measurement system from ancient Indian corpora) from the available textual sources, with some exceptions of sporadic studies that applied this system to actual sculptural art using computational methods.

In this backdrop, the present talk combines digital and statistical methods to decode the process behind the sculptural art of the Badami Chalukyan and Hoysala sculptural art through the comparison of theory (talamana system) and practice (in-situ sculptures). Digital documentation methods such as LiDAR, Photogrammetry, and AutoCAD were implemented, and for the analysis of measurements extracted from these methods, RStudio was employed to compute a variety of appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tests. By focusing on objectivity in analysing the sculptures, this study offers a new direction for answering the oft-asked question: how were these sculptures created, and whether the underlying principle remains unchanged despite stylistic variations.

Y2 - Technical Talk 7

Details:

Date: Tuesday, 23rd December 2025

Time: 7.00 pm

Topic: Mapping the archaeological heritage of South Asia: Introducing the MAHSA project and its approach to the large-scale mapping and surveying of archaeological sites in the Indus River Basin

 

NOTE - Talk open to all!! 

Guest Speaker:  Cameron Petrie

Abstract

The Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia (MAHSA) project is working alongside a range of stakeholders to document archaeological heritage in an online geospatial database platform using the open-source Arches software. The project aims to provide open access to as much archaeological data as possible, while also transforming the way heritage is managed at both local and national levels.

Pakistan and India each have a rich archaeological heritage, including their being the loci of early instances of ancient urbanism. 

With rapid expansion of modern urbanisation and agriculture in the sub-continent, archaeological heritage is often under acute threat. MAHSA has been working to bring together professionals involved in urban planning, agriculture, and heritage to explore current and future prospects for research, monitoring and collaboration within and between these areas of research and policy.

The talk will provide an overview to the MAHSA project and the challenges it faces in large-scale digital mapping and modelling of heritage data. It focusing on the various software and database applications that aid in creating an open-source database with the goal of making it understandable and reusable, in-line with FAIR data principles, while also following CARE data guidelines. 

About the Speaker

Cameron Petrie is Professor in South Asian and Iranian Archaeology at the Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge. He has led several large-scale international research projects, most recently as Principal Investigator of the Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia (MAHSA) project. His research primarily focuses on the investigation of ancient complex societies. He is particularly interested in the rise of complexity, the social and economic aspects of state formation, the impact that the growth of states and empires has on subjugated regions, and the relationships between humans and the environment. He has extensive field and research experience at archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic up to the medieval period in India, Pakistan and Iran.

Y2 - Technical Talk 6

Details: 

 

Date: Saturday, 1st November 2025
Time: 7.30 pm

Topic: Limitations of computer applications experienced during Architectural conservation projects

Guest Speaker:  Tejaswini Aphale and Rutuja Shitole

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies has revolutionised the field of architectural and structural conservation as well as archaeology, providing new methods for documentation, analysis, and heritage management. Tools such as LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, GIS, HBIM, and digital twins have enhanced the precision and accessibility of heritage data, supporting conservation planning, monitoring, and public engagement. Digital tools ranging from the simplest to those using AI and machine learning further extend these capabilities by automating feature detection, risk prediction, and material analysis. At the same time, sensor-based systems enable continuous structural and environmental monitoring.

Despite these advances, the field faces significant limitations, including high data volumes, interoperability challenges, skill gaps, ethical concerns, gaps between
academics and professionals, over-reliance on digital models and, most importantly, cost. The success of these technologies depends on interdisciplinary collaboration, adherence to data standards, and critical validation through physical inspection and contextual research.

By adopting best practices such as hybrid data capture, open-format documentation, and transparent metadata management, conservation professionals can ensure that digital tools serve as reliable extensions of traditional expertise. The future of heritage conservation indeed lies in integrated and ethically managed digital ecosystems; however, it is essential to remember that digital technology is a tool, not the foundation or ultimate goal.

About the Speaker

Tejaswini Aphale is a conservation architect, archaeologist, and architect with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, a postgraduate degree in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology and another postgraduate degree in Architectural Conservation from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA. 

After completing her postgraduate studies, Tejaswini began her career working with esteemed conservation architects. Thereafter, her four years of experience with the Archaeological Survey of India in New Delhi marked a significant milestone in her professional journey. Equipped with the right academic credentials and valuable experience, she founded her practice, Tejaswini Aphale Associates (TAA). 

TAA is a collaborative practice that brings together like-minded professionals, including conservation architects, archaeologists, GIS experts, engineers, and infrastructure specialists, all focused on effective practices in cultural heritage conservation and management. Currently, TAA is involved in the conservation and site management of various heritage sites across Maharashtra, including the temple complexes at Pandharpur, Jejuri, and Tuljapur, as well as the forts of Udgir, Naldurg, Kandhar, and Rajgad. 

Associate Rutuja Shitole has experience in using digital techniques in architectural documentation. 

 

Y2 - Technical Talk 5

Details: 

Date: Saturday, 27th September 2025
Time: 7.30 pm

Topic: Use of D-Stretch and complimentary tools in Rock Art Studies.

 

Guest Speaker: Rajesh Poojari

Abstract

This study explores various image enhancements techniques for documentation and analysis of rock-art sites in India. A Nikon Coolpix AW130 camera and Samsung m30s mobile camera was extensively used for photo documentation and digital preservation.These images were later processed using ImageJ and D-Stretch softwares to enhance the panels and paintings, obtain comprehensive counts of individual paintings, and interpret superimposition patterns. A mobile version of D-Stretch software 'aD-Stretch' was used on-site for quick results and reference. This talk will explore basic methodology, results obtained, and their implications in the interpretation of these rock-arts in their archaeological contexts.

About the Speaker

Rajesh Poojari is an Art Conservator-Restorer and Archaeologist with over a decade of experience in heritage conservation, archaeological research, and material culture studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Archaeological Conservation from IISER Mohali and a postgraduate diploma in Built Heritage Studies & Conservation from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai.

His expertise includes the conservation of stone, metal, paintings and archaeological objects, along with rock art documentation, museology, and built heritage preservation. He has worked with institutions such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai, and was deputed internationally for the conservation of the Al Sabah Collection at Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, Kuwait. He had been actively involved with Urjita Centre for Art Conservation and Heritage Management LLP, contributing to museum object conservation, heritage site work, and training initiatives. He has also conducted lectures and training sessions at the University of Mumbai, St. Xavier’s College, and other institutions across India.

As a researcher, he has published in Ancient Asia, Purakala, and the APAR Bulletin, with work focusing on rock art in Madhya Pradesh, ancient and medieval remains in Mumbai, and epigraphical studies from Maharashtra.