The Ashwell Project: creating an online geospatial community

Abstract

As the world increasingly embraces digital platforms, archaeologists are adapting their methods of public engagement accordingly. This was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many outreach and engagement efforts moved online. One such project was The Ashwell Project (TAP), which combined aspects of participatory Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and crowdsourcing of datasets, with Progressive Web App functionality of geolocation and navigation to disseminate community-collected photographs and narratives. The project's primary focus was two-fold: to disseminate anecdotal datasets within local heritage initiatives, and how to facilitate the involvement of users with limited technical proficiency innavigating complex digital systems. This paper highlights the opportunities and valuable lessons regarding digital engagement in communities. It considers strategies to promote the adoption of participatory GIS and crowdsourcing datasets, as well as how users' own devices can be utilised to increase engagement with tangible and intangible heritage. I argue that such approaches merit broader consideration, encouraging communities to actively engage with such platforms. The project underscores the importance of design thinking, emphasising empathy and iterative testing, in crafting effective heritage assets. Furthermore, it demonstrates the feasibility of engaging the public with archaeology even amidst a global pandemic.