The graphics overlay

For this programme Time Team 2D graphics guru Neil Emmanuel was very busy overlaying maps and graphics for landscape expert Stewart Ainsworth. What's it all about and why does he do it?

'On Time Team we always have lots of maps from different periods,' says Neil. 'As each new map is drawn, it automatically records any new features. So by comparing maps we can see how the landscape has changed.'

'On top of this we have plans from any previous archaeological work and annotated surveys and sketches that highlight other events that may have happened,' he continues. 'One of my jobs is to overlay these maps and plans so that Stewart can see exactly what is being depicted, identify any discrepancies and also see any relationships.

'Stewart generally comes to me and says, "I've got plans A, B and C and I want to see how they match up." I scan them into the computer and then increase or reduce them so they all have the same scale. Then I overlay them on the computer, and by making some of them translucent you can also see the map underneath.

'The overlays are printed off, and then Stewart can use them outside to see how they match up with the archaeology in the trenches – and hopefully solve a few mysteries.'

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