Application of Modern Information Technologies to the Study of Karelian Petroglyphs

Modern informational computer technologies allow not only to carry out scientific researches on a new level but also to put into practice the results of the research which we could not get before. Computer visualization of historical materials gives new unique opportunities for researches. As an example, let us take a look at a program system called "Information retrieval system of Karelian petroglyphs" or "PIRS". Development of this system is supported with a grant RGNF no. 05-01-12118v (manager N. V. Lobanova).

Computer support for data base is divided into two programming modules according to user's functions (for simple users and for professionals). Programming module for simple users is a form of website and it can be seen in Internet by http://smalt.karelia.ru/~petroglyphs. The program for specialists includes data base, searching system according to features and characteristics, catalogue of the petroglyphs, information about the program. Data base is the most important part of the information retrieval system. Nowadays it is the only data base of petroglyphs, their characteristics and descriptions. It includes such functions as searching, adding and changing information. This base is necessary for specialists working in the field of scientific researches. Searching systems allow a user to find similar petroglyphs or petroglyphs with some definite features. In addition this module includes various algorithms, which implement mathematical methods for petroglyphs' analysis such as cluster analysis, method correlation galaxies and multi fractal's image parametrization. For example, multi fractals image characteristics allows to define an invariant of a petroglyph which may define the sequence of petroglyph's appearance on a rock in common parts. On top of that this method enables to fulfill a binary segmentation of petroglyph's images.