Thirty Years in Sharjah: Geospatial Technologies in Archaeology and International Collaboration

Abstract

Over the last three decades, the collaboration between the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) has evolved into one of the most stable and productive geoarchaeological partnerships in the Arabian Peninsula. This paper presents a comprehensive retrospective analysis of this collaboration, focusing on the progressive incorporation of geomatic and digital technologies into archaeological practice. The study examines the transition from early topographic and GPS-based surveys to advanced methodologies, including 3D modelling, digital image processing, UAV-based photogrammetry, 3D scanning, geographic information systems (GIS), and web-based platforms. The research is based on a systematic review of projects developed between 1995 and 2025, integrating both technical and archaeological perspectives. The results demonstrate a clear evolution from isolated recording techniques to fully integrated digital workflows, enabling improved spatial accuracy, data management, and interpretative capabilities. The discussion highlights how these technologies have contributed to non-invasive analysis, landscape-scale understanding, and the dissemination of archaeological knowledge. The paper concludes that this long-term collaboration represents a model for interdisciplinary research, in which technological innovation is driven by archaeological needs and contributes to both scientific knowledge and heritage management.