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Since the arrival of computer generated graphics in archaeology, and in particular 3D reconstructions, debate has increased about how archaeology should be visualised. However, much recent discussion has reached beyond this and recognised that there is no single ‘correct’ way of visualising the past. Rather, by using a combination of techniques and taking advantage of cross-disciplinary knowledge, the use and process of archaeological visualisation can be as exciting and innovative as ever.

In this paper, I want to focus in particular on how links between fine art process and science are being used to think about and create a whole range of work. In particular I want to look at how this is being done in archaeological landscapes. Landscapes have always presented a challenge in their complexity, even the term ‘landscape’ itself is woven with meaning and history. I am particularly interested in the idea of scale in landscape, and how this is transferred into individual knowledge: each of us has a different perspective, and this is what is exciting – by looking at lots of views of the same landscape we can learn much more about it. This talk will explore the different approaches used to visualise the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site (West Dorset and East Devon Coast) and how these are leading to new knowledge of both the stone and the people that constitute it.

visualisation; art; process; landscape; stone; communication