Home Spain Pioneers QR Codes to Track Ancient Artifacts

Spain Pioneers QR Codes to Track Ancient Artifacts

The Center for the Studies of Archaeological and Prehistoric Heritage (CEPAP) at the Autonomous University of Barcelona have developed a process using QR codes to ID and track ancient artifacts, from kraters to potsherds.

Previous methods of on-artifact ID shared one thing in common: it was painfully easy to rub out, rub off or scratch out the identifying number of code written directly on or in the artifact. That process also ran the risk of marring the object.

The CEPAP team has tested this process for two years, affixing QR tags on everything from sword blades to bone remains. They did so at Spanish sites, including Roca dels Bous and Cova Gran de Santa Linya in Lleida, and African sites like the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania and Mieso in Ethiopia.

Marking artifacts helps to associate information that would otherwise be lost once the object were moved. According to the center, the information includes:

“(T)he name of the site, the archaeological level at which it was found and an inventory number. This information is essential because it remits to a complex network of data which contextualises each artefact individually.”

Geolocation information on each object is also included.

Using QR codes, which are like two-dimensional bar codes, to do this obviates a number of common errors that come with manual marking. Besides effacement of the codes themselves. They include scriptural error and misreadings.

QR also saves a great deal of time, as hand-writing, nearly always on challenging surfaces, using a number of different media, is a demanding task. The code information also becomes instantly available online to associated scientists.

CEPAP has managed to reduce artifact coding errors to 1% with this process.

Artifact photo from CEPAP | other sources:

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.