Underground Jigsaw: Sharing Information for Urban Development, Interdisciplinary and Public Engagement

Papavee Seesod*, Pichayaporn Tajai, and Narut Lokulprakit

Currently, archaeological records beneath contemporary cities are increasingly endangered by urban development, particularly the installation of electric systems, water supply, and transit networks. Despite rescue excavations, operation teams often must re‑initiate their efforts due to a lack of legacy documented information regarding both infrastructure layouts and the precise locations of historical structures. To address this, the Underground Jigsaw project was initiated as a web‑based spatial repository, utilising a multi‑layered visualisation of a cultural stratigraphy map to bridge the gap between archaeology and urban engineering. Three‑dimensional data are accessible through specific excavation points on a digital map, including: (1) primary archaeological evidence, (2) detailed stratigraphic and cultural analysis, and (3) comprehensive mapping of existing infrastructure. The initial phase integrates data from electrical and water utility installations via an interdisciplinary sharing platform. Findings indicate that Underground Jigsaw enhances operational efficiency for field staff, mitigating negative impacts and fostering the preservation of subsurface heritage. In the future, this repository will expand to include data from past projects and open the platform for public access. This expansion aims to enable broader public participation, allowing users to contribute elements such as historical photographs and community narratives. Ultimately, the project serves as a model for urban development, demonstrating how an interdisciplinary approach can ensure effective conservation while enhancing public engagement.