A method for classifying multidimensional data with respect to uncertainties of measurement and its application to archaeometry

In the area "New Technologies in the Arts", the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology (BMFT) sponsors projects in which questions, e.g., regarding humanities, are to be investigated by means of scientific methods and instruments involving a dialogue between cultural scientists, applied scientists, and engineers. In particular, the know-how of research centers, universities, and industries, which has already resulted from sponsoring by the BMFT, should be used. The following articles should give a short but representative survey of some results recently gained by projects sponsored under the aims of the above program. The questions to be answered belong primarily to the wide field of archaeology, art history, and literature. The use of scientific methods and technical apparatuses is mainly aimed at the determination of composition, age, shape, and location of cultural objects, documents, or historic sites.