Andreas Tsatsaris

Recent urban spatial changes can be explored at many levels and in addition to their social, environmental, economic and political dimensions. The present paper is an original investigation of urban sprawl examining the process at the individual building level. Each building is recorded by the census and displayed at the block level. The suburb of Petroupolis (Map 1) was selected as a case study area, being a typical example of dynamic development of the urban tissue in the Athenian metropolis after the interwar period. The study is based on historical maps used in six different National Population Censuses (1961-2011) conducted by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). These maps were properly processed and documented, using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques, leading eventually to mapping urban sprawl in Petroupolis during that period.

Malaria constitutes an important cause of human mortality. After 2009 Greece experienced a resurgence of malaria. Here, we develop a model-based framework that integrates ento-mological, geographical, social and environmental evidence in order to guide the mosquito control efforts and apply this framework to data from an entomological survey study conducted in Central Greece. Our results indicate that malaria transmission risk in Greece is potentially substantial. In addition, specific districts such as seaside, lakeside and rice field regions appear to represent potential malaria hotspots in Central Greece. We found that appropriate maps depicting the basic reproduction number, R 0 , are useful tools for informing policy makers on the risk of malaria resurgence and can serve as a guide to inform recommendations regarding control measures.

Malaria constitutes an important cause of human mortality. After 2009 Greece experienced a resurgence of malaria. Here, we develop a model-based framework that integrates ento-mological, geographical, social and environmental evidence in order to guide the mosquito control efforts and apply this framework to data from an entomological survey study conducted in Central Greece. Our results indicate that malaria transmission risk in Greece is potentially substantial. In addition, specific districts such as seaside, lakeside and rice field regions appear to represent potential malaria hotspots in Central Greece. We found that appropriate maps depicting the basic reproduction number, R 0 , are useful tools for informing policy makers on the risk of malaria resurgence and can serve as a guide to inform recommendations regarding control measures.

The term “New Museum” defines the experience of the renovated exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Tegea. It further demonstrates the new orientation. Considering controversial indicators, such as the number of visitors or the revenues from tickets, as a measure of success, is meaningless. The "new museum" has to be oriented toward the education of the new generation, the cultivation of critical thinking skills and the scientific research process.
Space and Time constitute the fundamental concepts of the disciplines of Archaeology and History and of the museological approach as well. The identity of each finding – exhibit comprises the location of its discovery and its date. However this will prove to be meaningless without a configuration of a proper frame of interpretation. While Time constitutes an "absolutely stable" without fluctuations variable, Space - or Location - is a much more complex factor, regardless of scale. Space is defined both by geomorphology and by historical context. So the question arises, how can we communicate so complex an information in a meaningful way?
A map constitutes, as a means of abstractive depiction and interpretation of the real world the most appropriate, the most effective way of capturing and visualizing the spatial-temporal element of the interpretation framework. Variation over time, analysis and presentation of the available data in a short, mid and long-term perspective is accomplished through Cartography and thematic cartographic illustrations, in a scientifically consistent and intelligible way. For the first time in a museum (The Archaeological Museum of Tegea), the presentation of archaeological data and the narration of the story is achieved through maps.  The information they comprise is further enriched through text, photographs, plans, charts and diagrams. The discipline of Informatics provided a cohesive interface, in which the visitor lies at the center, has the freedom of choice, of searching and interpreting.
The "new museum", is no longer an idea, a vision or an abstract concept. It has been materialized in the village of Alea, in the local Archaeological Museum of Tegea,  with Cartography lying at the center of narrative and maps constituting the basic means of interpretation.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease transmitted to humans by bite of infected ticks or by direct contact with blood or tissues of viremic patients or livestock. The present cross-sectional meta-analysis study is based on previous data which have shown that the human CCHFV seroprevalence in specific regions of Greece is high (> 5%). In the absence of human cases, it has been suggested that a non- or low-pathogenic strain is circulating in the country causing asymptomatic infections. A spatial cluster analysis was performed to assess the geographical variations in CCHFV seropositivity and to identify the risk factors. The overall CCHFV seroprevalence is 3.8%, with significant rate difference between the eastern and western part of the country. Apart the risk factors described in previous studies (age, sex, tick bite, agropastoral activities), the altitude, the land cover type and the transitional woodland/shrub land per person, as well as the number of livestock per person, and specifically the number of goats, sheep and cattle per person, were shown to affect significantly the seroprevalence. Tick studies are needed to identify the circulating strains and unravel the mystery of CCHF epidemiology in Greece.

The main objective of the Web-GIS Observatory is the development of a methodological tool concerning the operational conjunction between the science and the technology of the Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.) and the Spatial Decision Making Systems, using the Internet capabilities of information publication.
integrative statistical and cartographical computing system ruled by the principles and contemporary techniques of geographical data models has been developed, aiming to provide researchers with the appropriate statistical and geographical data and indicators that will assist them in determining possible spatial inequalities and typologies, analyzing of temporal modifications, evaluating politics with spatial implications, formulating development scenarios and supporting environmental and sustainable development procedures.

The recent earthquake in Kefalonia and its aftermath came as an urgent reminder of the need for readily available and freely accessible open spaces where the population can seek shelter during an earthquake activity. Greece as one of the most seismically active country in Europe through the civil protection authorities along with the local authorities ought to be prepared for any such instance by identifying and/or allocating shelters, especially in heavily populated cities, where the people may seek a temporary refuge. This work aims at the development of a model for zoning of earthquake shelters in the Municipality of Nikaia (Piraeus), a densely populated area, using GIS methods and tools. In the first part, this study identifies the already existing places that can be used as shelters assessing their accessibility and their capacity. In the second part, by using network analysis tool, a model is constructed that can be used for analysis purposes. Some general conclusions are finally drawn while the non-serviced areas are displayed and mapped.

The recent earthquake in Kefalonia and its aftermath came as an urgent reminder of the need for readily available and freely accessible open spaces where the population can seek shelter during an earthquake activity. Greece as one of the most seismically active country in Europe through the civil protection authorities along with the local authorities ought to be prepared for any such instance by identifying and/or allocating shelters, especially in heavily populated cities, where the people may seek a temporary refuge. This work aims at the development of a model for zoning of earthquake shelters in the Municipality of Nikaia (Piraeus), a densely populated area, using GIS methods and tools. In the first part, this study identifies the already existing places that can be used as shelters assessing their accessibility and their capacity. In the second part, by using network analysis tool, a model is constructed that can be used for analysis purposes. Some general conclusions are finally drawn while the non-serviced areas are displayed and mapped.

This is the first 5-year phase of the South Cynouria Archaeological Project , a research program approved by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports,  under the direction of Grigoris Grigorakakis, Archaeologist in the Ephorate of Antiquities in Arcadia, with Associate Professor of Geoinformatics, Andreas Tsatsaris in charge of the geospatial documentation. The 5-year project is being supported by the Municipality of South Cynouria.
The SCAP comprised systematic excavations in the core area of ancient Prasiai, three sectors in the so-called Evrias spot, next to the port of Plaka, and one sector in the “Makros” spot, 600 m southwards, were a tholos LHIIC tomb had been unearthed in the 1960’s, during a public road construction work. Apart from the systematic excavation on the coastal area, we undertook the task of locating ancient sites in the hinderland of the ancient city. Many sites were located from Fokianos up to the highlands to the west of Tyros. Many also, referred to in previous researches, were relocated, since no accurate geospatial data were given.
In summary, three were the pillars of the whole project: a. systematic excavation on the coastal area, in the core area of the ancient city of the historical times, b. limited scale survey combined with excavation both on the coast and in the highlands. The third pillar was the documentation. Thus we designed a highly operational geospatial database, named “Kallisto”. We extensively use GIS, GPS and Laser Scanning technologies for the documentation of monumental structures, as well as CAD software. Spatial analysis is being conducted through ArcGIS software. The study of the material is being conducted in the conservation laboratory of Tripoli’s Archaeological Museum, where also the conservation procedure is taking place.


2016-2017 Study:
Pottery from sectors I-IV
Pottery from the Surveys conducted throughout Kynouria
Offerings from the LHIIB Graves at Soha- Skaloma spot
Offerings from the PG graves at Makros spot
Urban Architecture
Funerary Architecture
Mining and Ore-Proceesing
Further enhancement of the Archaeospatial geodatabase "Kallisto"
Geospatial analysis
Development of an innovative method concerning the recording and further GIS processing of surface, survey findings

The development of KALLISTO relied on the technology of geographic information systems (GIS), and collaborates with existing information systems relating to Greek antiquities (i.e. Polemon). The KALLISTO has been designed initially in the framwork of the South Cynouria Archaeological Project, and later was extended to facilitate the constant needs of the Ephorate  in regards to the organization, management and documentation of the archaeological finds in Arcadia.
Project Director Andreas Tsatsaris, prof. of Geoinformatics
Archaeological Research - Documentation: Grigoris Grigorakakis, Archaeologist
GIS Analysis - Geodatabase Design: Dimitris Skouloufianakis


Η ανάπτυξη της εν λόγω βάσης αρχαιοχωρικών δεδομένων στηρίζεται στην τεχνολογία των Συστημάτων Γεωγραφικών Πληροφοριών (ΣΓΠ) και συνεργάζεται με τα πληροφοριακά συστήματα που έχουν αναπτυχθεί από τις αρμόδιες Διευθύνσεις της Γενικής Διεύθυνσης Αρχαιοτήτων και Πολιτιστικής Κληρονομιάς του ΥΠΠΟΑ.
Η βάση «ΚΑΛΛΙΣΤΩ» αποτελεί ένα πολύτιμο εργαλείο για την αρχαιολογική έρευνα στην Αρκαδία, αφού διευκολύνει την οργάνωση, διαχείριση και τεκμηρίωση κινητών και ακινήτων αρχαίων μνημείων μέσα από έναν καινοτόμο τρόπο επεξεργασίας χωρικών δεδομένων που αφορούν στην πολιτιστική κληρονομιά.
Επιστημονικός υπεύθυνος του προγράμματος είναι ο δρ. Ανδρέας Τσάτσαρης, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής του Τμήματος Τοπογραφίας του ΤΕΙ Αθήνας, ενώ στη διεπιστημονική ομάδας εργασίας συμμετείχαν οι κ.κ. Γρηγόρης Γρηγορακάκης, Αρχαιολόγος της ΛΘ’ ΕΠΚΑ (Συγκέντρωση αρχαιοχωρικών δεδομένων, κατάταξη, ομαδοποίησης, συμμετοχή στο Σχεδιασμό της Βάσης) , και Δημήτρης Σκουλουφιανάκης, Τοπογράφος Μηχανικός Τ.Ε

Innovative Digital Applications constitute the cornerstone of the re-exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Tegea. The results of the historical and archaeological research, analyzed through ArcGis, specially taxonomized and presented via "User's Robotic Interface", are presented in an innovative way to the visitor. In the article you will find the first detailed description of the material aquired and the  method  applied in order for the ambitious final result to be accomplished.
In an exhibition based essentially on material included in the previous exhibition, this innovative way of presentation, designed and realized by the authors of the article, makes the difference.

Ticks were collected from various regions of northern Greece and tested for the presence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) RNA. Human and animal sera were collected in the regions where CCHFV-positive ticks were detected, and they were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against the virus. A CCHFV strain was detected in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from sheep in Kastoria regional unit, differing by 9.7% at the nucleotide level from the AP92 strain, which was isolated in 1975 in another region of Greece. Up to date, CCHF cases have not been reported in these regions. The human seroprevalence in the area was estimated at 6%, while IgG-positive sheep was detected in two of the four neighboring farms tested. The circulation of this specific CCHFV lineage in Greece, especially in a region where the seroprevalence is high, together with the lack of human CCHF cases, suggests a probable antigenic, but non- or low-pathogenic character of this lineage. Further studies on these strains will increase our knowledge about the role of AP92-like strains in the CCHF epidemiology, which might be useful for drug and vaccine design.

The re-exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Tegea, presents for the first time to the public not the mere fact, but the course of events, the causal relationships leading to the consolidation of the institution that constitutes the hallmark of the Greek way of social organization, namely the polis (city-state). In this framework the motivation of the visitor to deepen in this complex phenomenon through the myth, dialects, social, economic, political and military history as well as the recent historical – archaeological approaches lay at the center of the whole effort.
Simultaneously, besides the detailed archaeological documentation of the above and in order for us to provide the optimum results, we implemented an integrated multidisciplinary approach. Geography and Cartography now played an important role. Spatial analysis of the archaeological - historical data was introduced, so as their documented interrelation with geographic space, geological environment and topography to be accomplished. Thus the goal of presenting in a comprehensive way the actual space certain events took place, as well as their projection to the present was fully achieved.
Furthermore, the combination of the archaeological and historical knowledge with the advanced digital technology of the interactive surfaces, and graphic art, which can represent the anthropogenic processes or even natural phenomena and situations, allows the creation of a linear flow of events.

Rural space in Greece is experiencing a significant transformation. During the last four decades the traditional urban-rural dichotomy has given its place to complex spatial patterns which are in a process of continuous change. This change is the result of a variety of factors such as the international economic environment, the emergence of new economic activities in rural areas, mainly

The representation of results concerning the topography and the geographical space of areas of archeological interest on maps has always been an interdisciplinary challenge. In this sense, it is possible to use the experience of members of the faculty and the staff and the existing equipment of institutions from different disciplines so as to bring to light the opportunities arising from the interdisciplinary approach of an issue which is intriguing in many respects, and leads to a better understanding of the history and cultural development of a place.
In December 2009 the collaboration of GeoInformatics Laboratory of the Department of Surveying Engineering of the Technological Educational Institute of Athens with the 39th Prehistoric and Classic Antiquities which is located in Tripoli of Arcadia prefecture. This collaboration aims at the development of a geographical data base comprising elements of archaeological interest, which will help in the documentation and elevation of these elements through the use of GeoInformatics technology tools.
According to the common perspective that regulates this collaboration, the value of digital geographical data (maps and information of archaeological interest) constitutes a necessity for an archaeological service of the modern era. At the same time, this common effort focuses on innovative research procedures, the results of which contribute to the cultural, social and economic development of a place.
One of the main goals of the aforementioned collaboration is the investigation of those methods that can lead to the formulation of standards and specifications concerning cartographic representations of archaeological landscapes.
The cartographic products to be developed will focus on two main directions: (a) maps as tools which will be used by archaeologists in their surveys and excavating activities; therefore, these maps will represent the specialized information which is appropriate to this end in the proper scales, and (b) maps demonstrating the results of archaeological research to the general public.
The results of this venture will contribute to:
1 The systemization of scientific research in disciplines that lag behind in Greece.
2 The exploitation of the added value which will occur through the experience of the national and international scientific community.
3 The consolidation of methodologies and state-of-the-art technologies in bodies responsible for cultural surveillance.
4 The development of the conditions for the extension of the collaboration through projects funded by 7th Framework.
5 The consolidation of the interdisciplinary collaboration.
6 The national and international exposure of the work of institutions which will be documented through papers published in international and national journals and announcements in conferences both during the collaboration and after it.

Το ταξίδι ως όρος έχει τις ρίζες του στις εκστρατείες, υπό την έννοια της πορείας και της μετακίνησης στρατιωτικών σωμάτων. Η σημερινή του χρήση ωστόσο, δηλώνει τη μετακί-νηση σε μακρινό προορισμό, όπου κάποιος παραμένει για ένα σημαντικό χρονικό διάστη-μα. Το ταξίδι όμως που περιγράφεται στην παρούσα εργασία, είναι νοητό και επιθυμεί να δηλώσει τη αξία του χάρτη για την απεικόνιση της ιστορικής και αρχαιολογικής πληροφο-ρίας, η οποία μάλιστα τυγχάνει να είναι μέχρι στιγμής αδημοσίευτη. Το ταξίδι αυτό λοιπόν, αποτελεί μία αυθεντική και πρωτότυπη δημοσίευση αρχαιολογικών και ιστορικών στοιχεί-ων για τη σύνταξη ενός χάρτη της Τεγεάτιδας χώρας, που θεμελιώνεται στις ρήσεις των με-γάλων περιηγητών και γεωγράφων της αρχαιότητάς μας, που με επιμέλεια και απλοχεριά μας άφησαν ως παρακαταθήκη τις μαρτυρίες τους για αυτόν τον ιδιαίτερο τόπο.
Η αυθεντικότητα αυτή της πρωτογενούς ιστορικής και αρχαιολογικής πληροφορίας που μετουσιώνεται σε χαρτογραφικό αποτέλεσμα, αρμόζει ακριβώς στον Άνθρωπο, στον οποίο αφιερώνεται: Σε έναν δηλαδή άριστο και πανάξιο Δάσκαλο, που με την απαράμιλλη αισθη-τική του και τη δύναμη των λόγων και της γνώσης του ανέδειξε με την καινοφανή του διδασκαλία, την πεμπτουσία των χαρτών και τους ανοικτούς τους ορίζοντες.

The aim of this work is to demonstrate through a specific case study, that of the sanctuary of Apollon Amyklaios near Sparta, the aspects of documentation and recording of cultural heritage monuments using state-of-the-art geospatial technology including terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), image-based total station technology and photographic documentation, as well as GeoInformatics technologies, for different needs regarding each archaeological monument.
The hill of Haghia Kyriaki, where the site of the central lakonian sanctuary of Apollon Amyklaios has been located around 5 km south of Sparta. The mention of Amyklae in the Homeric catalogue of ships (Il. 2.584) reflects the site’s importance as a Late Bronze to Early Iron Age settlement. Archaeological remains and literary sources bear witness to the great importance of the sanctuary and the related Hyakinthia festival to the people of Lakonia during the Greek and Roman antiquity. In the framework of the Amykles Research Project, commenced in 2005, a new exploration of the entire surface of the site has being conducted.
The site is often under threat from environmental conditions, structural instability and development. Geospatial techniques in combination with other digital documentation techniques, which aim at creating an archaeospatial database named “Apollo” and a 3D model of the site and the structures, provide an extremely useful way to document and protect the spatial characteristics of the site.
The project has demonstrated that TLS is a viable technique for the integrated surveying of cultural heritage monuments that allows obtaining the geometry of the object easily, regardless of its accessibility. The real possibility of acquiring dense geometric information by TLS allows the analysis through a number of different modelling approaches. Combined TLS integrated to the main “Apollo” Geospatial Database will be able to provide much-improved quality of documentation to experts and interested parties as well as to a large number of scholars and members of the public.

The application of innovative technological processes in classical sciences was always an interdisciplinary challenge, especially when it comes to produce results which lead to the understanding of the history and cultural development of a country. In this presentation the projects of the five-year collaboration between the Laboratory of Geospatial Technology of TEI of Athens and the Antiquities Arcadia are represented.