Researcher, Nigeria
Jan is an archaeoinformatics specialist with a strong focus on archaeological survey, digital documentation, and capacity building. Trained in Near Eastern Archaeology at Freie Universität Berlin (BA, MA), he has since specialized in the application of GIS, remote sensing, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and 3D modelling to archaeological research and cultural heritage management.
He has worked on a wide range of international projects in West Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula, including long-term engagements in Nigeria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. His work combines large-scale landscape analysis with detailed site-level documentation, often integrating drone-based surveys, mobile GIS, and community-based fieldwork.
Jan has collaborated with institutions such as the German Archaeological Institute, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), and international research partners, and has contributed to projects connected to heritage preservation, environmental archaeology, and UNESCO-related initiatives. He works as a freelance researcher and consultant, bridging academic research, applied archaeoinformatics, and public-facing heritage documentation.
MAEASaM is exciting to me because it brings together comprehensive mapping of heritage across Africa. Making this knowledge visible is essential not only for research and protection, but for giving cultural heritage the recognition it deserves. The collaborative spirit of the project: connecting people across countries, strengthening local capacity, and creating a shared resource that is meaningful for researchers, institutions, and communities throughout the continent.
In his free time Jan loves to make music.
Read more about Jan on the ResearchGate and LinkedIn.