Non-invasive technologies in archaeological research

The paper surveys the applications of non-invasive analytical and data capture techniques in archaeology. Such technologies enable deeper insight into some characteristics of artefacts and help in identifying aspects such as provenance, manufacturing or hidden features, e. g. obliterated by degradation; or, they provide a precise visual documentation. They have paramount importance in archaeological research being in general well accepted because they leave objects untouched. However, the results of optical analysis and data capture techniques are generally used as stand-alone, what limits the usefulness of the information they produce to the individual application. The paper envisages a methodology to incorporate such results into the archaeological documentation, widening their potential impact by enabling scientifically based comparisons and cross-searches.