Review of Computational Epigraphy

TL;DR

This paper surveys computational methods that improve the extraction, interpretation, and attribution of stone inscriptions in epigraphy, offering more efficient and less damaging alternatives to traditional techniques.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of existing computational approaches in epigraphy, highlighting advancements and potential for automation in text extraction and analysis.

Findings

Computational methods can automate text extraction from inscriptions.

Modern techniques reduce damage compared to manual methods.

Approaches enhance objectivity in interpretation and attribution.

Abstract

Computational Epigraphy refers to the process of extracting text from stone inscription, transliteration, interpretation, and attribution with the aid of computational methods. Traditional epigraphy methods are time consuming, and tend to damage the stone inscriptions while extracting text. Additionally, interpretation and attribution are subjective and can vary between different epigraphers. However, using modern computation methods can not only be used to extract text, but also interpret and attribute the text in a robust way. We survey and document the existing computational methods that aid in the above-mentioned tasks in epigraphy.