Over the last month, Dr Ekta Gupta has conducted research, outreach, and training activities in India related to her field of expertise and ongoing research projects.
Activity 1:
Title: A New Lens on Past Landscapes: Insights from Geospatial Analysis for Historical and Archaeological Research
On Friday, 28th of February, Dr Ekta Gupta was in Sonipat (India) presenting a keynote talk jointly with M B Rajani at the workshop titled, ‘Looking Around, Looking Back: Geospatial Analysis in Historical and Archaeological Research’, which was jointly hosted by the department of History and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Archaeological Research (CIAR), at Ashoka University.
This talk demonstrated the role of geospatial analysis in uncovering new insights into historical and archaeological landscapes. It highlighted the discovery of previously unknown or larger extents of sites through remote sensing and spatial analysis. By integrating historical records with geographical data, the discussion provided a deeper understanding of past landscapes and their evolution over time through a case study. The talk also addressed the significance of geospatial documentation in heritage site monitoring and management, demonstrating how these tools contribute to the preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage. Through case studies, it showcased the potential of geospatial technologies in bridging historical narratives with spatial evidence.
Activity 2
Title: From Parchment to Pixels: Tracing Environmental Change for a Resilient Future
On Wednesday, 12th of March, Ekta Gupta was in Pune (India) presenting a guest lecture at FLAME University.
Abstract: Just as a road map is essential for reaching a destination, a well-defined ‘road map’ is crucial for guiding us toward a sustainable future. This need is even more critical given the rapid expansion of human activities, particularly in developing countries like India. Traditionally, land use and human activities were shaped by long-term observations and an in-depth understanding of the land, terrain, and environment. However, in today’s era of rapid and often unregulated growth in infrastructure and urbanisation, local history and traditional knowledge are frequently overlooked. Decisions about land use are now primarily driven by availability and cost, often disregarding the broader ecological and spatial interconnections of a site within the larger landscape. This fragmented approach has led to numerous environmental challenges. This talk will explore how historical maps and satellite imagery can offer valuable insights into past landscapes, enabling more informed and sustainable planning decisions for the future.
Activity 3
Title: Exploring Ancient Landscapes Through Historical and Contemporary Spatial Records
On Thursday, 13th March 2015, Ekta Gupta delivered an online lecture at the two-day international workshop titled “Geospatial Technology for Earth Sciences & Archaeological Studies” jointly organised by the Department of Industries and Earth Sciences & Department of Maritime History and Marine Archaeology.
The key highlights. of her lecture were:
– Introduction to basic concepts and applications of remote sensing and GIS in archaeology and landscape studies.
– Exploration of cropmarks, soilmarks, and fieldmarks—their formation processes and use in tracing archaeological sites and landscape changes.
– Discussion on the importance and challenges of early maps in archaeological research.
– Presentation of case studies to demonstrate the integration of remote sensing, GIS, and historical maps in archaeology.
