The Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology – Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter (CAA LAC) is a regional chapter of CAA International dedicated to promoting digital archaeology and computational approaches to the study and management of cultural heritage across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The chapter aims to strengthen regional and international collaboration, foster the exchange of ideas and methodologies, and create opportunities for researchers, students, and heritage professionals working in areas such as:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis;
- Remote sensing, LiDAR, and photogrammetry;
- Statistical, predictive, and simulation modelling;
- Archaeological network analysis;
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications;
- Archaeological databases, ontologies, and data management;
- Open science, ethics, and critical digital practices in archaeology.
Membership in CAA LAC is free and open to anyone who supports the aims of CAA International and wishes to contribute to the growth of digital archaeology in the region.
Activities and Community
CAA LAC actively promotes capacity building and knowledge exchange through a variety of activities, including:
- Online lectures by leading international researchers;
- Technical workshops and methodological training sessions;
- Annual meetings and scientific exchanges;
- Networking opportunities among researchers and students across Latin America and the Caribbean;
- Dissemination of initiatives related to digital archaeology and heritage technologies.
Recent activities organised by the chapter include workshops on:
- Introduction to Network Analysis in Archaeology (Prof. Tom Brughmans, 2026);
- ROBUSTA: A web application for quantifying uncertainty in spatial analysis in archaeology (Dr. Eduardo Herrera Malatesta, 2025);
- Introduction to Geographic Information Systems in Archaeology (Ant. Yoly Velandria and Dr. Eduardo Herrera Malatesta, 2025).
The chapter has also hosted lectures such as:
- Ecological legacy of pre-Columbian settlements in palm groups in tropical montane rainforests, presented by Dr. Sebastián Fajardo (Leiden University).
First Annual Meeting of CAA LAC
The chapter’s First Annual Meeting will be held online on 28–29 October 2026, bringing together researchers, students, and professionals from across the region and beyond.
The meeting welcomes presentations in Spanish, Portuguese, and English on any aspect of digital and computational archaeology, including GIS, remote sensing, network analysis, artificial intelligence, modelling, archaeological data management, and digital heritage.
The annual meeting represents an important milestone in consolidating a regional community of practice and strengthening connections between Latin America, the Caribbean, and the broader international CAA community.
CAA LAC and CAA 2027
The Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter is proud to play a leading role in the organisation of the 54th Annual Conference of Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA 2027), which will take place in Santiago, Chile, from 17–20 May 2027.
Hosting the annual CAA conference in Chile marks a significant milestone for the region and reflects the growing contributions of Latin American and Caribbean scholars to the fields of digital archaeology, computational methods, and heritage science.
Under the theme “Building Digital Bridges”, CAA 2027 seeks to foster new collaborations and strengthen connections between communities, disciplines, and regions worldwide.
Useful Links
Contact: caa-lac@caaconference.orgSantiago for CAA 2027.
CAA LAC Website: https://lac.caa-international.org/
Join the Chapter: https://lac.caa-international.org/join-the-chapter/
First Annual Meeting of CAA LAC: https://lac.caa-international.org/annual-meetings-2/
