Revisiting reflexive archaeology at Çatalhöyük : integrating digital and 3D technologies at the trowel’s edge

The aim of this paper is to summarize progress in the development of reflexive methods at Çatalhöyük over the past 20 years, and to describe some recent innovations that have used digital and 3D technologies to enhance the original reflexive aims. While digital technologies were not at the forefront of the methods described in an initial account of reflexive methods published in Antiquity (Hodder 1997), it has become clear that many of the original aims can be enhanced by the use of new generations of computer assisted technologies for visualization, recording and planning. The paper does not describe the full use of digital technologies at Çatalhöyük; for example laser scanning is being used as part of the documentation for conservation evaluation. The wider use of digital technologies is discussed by Forte et al (2012); the aim in this paper is to discuss those aspects of digital technologies that relate to the reflexive aims of the project, thereby adding to the continuing discussion on reflexive archaeological practice (see Bender et al. 2007; Berggren 2001; Berggren & Hodder 2003; M. Carver 2011; G. Carver 2011; Castaneda 2008; Chadwick 2003; Edgeworth 2006; Hodder 2003; Silliman 2008; Yarrow 2003).