Key Information
Type of entity
Person
Authorized form of name
O'Connor, Laura
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
fl 2000s-
History
Laura O'Connor is an experienced specialist in archaeological survey and mapping, and has spent over 18 years advancing archaeological research across Britain and Ireland. With a career marked by significant contributions to projects such as the INSPIRE Directive Implementation and HS2 Laura's expertise has been pivotal in numerous high-profile initiatives. She has led and processed complex terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetric surveys at key historical sites including the Roman Baths in Bath, the Shee Alms House in Kilkenny City, and the Crumlin Road Courthouse in Belfast. Additionally, she has been involved in the digital documentation of iconic sites such as Kelso Abbey, Mousa Broch, Jarlshof, and Cairnpapple Hill through her work with Historic Environment Scotland.
Laura leverages geospatial technology to enhance both office-based and fieldwork practices, introducing cutting-edge tools and apps to streamline archaeological processes. Her interest in developing new methods for the interpretation and dissemination of archaeological data shone through her work on large scale infrastructure projects, where she integrated data to bolster regional research frameworks. Laura's passion for blending traditional archaeology with modern technology was a key focus during her participation in the 2022/23 MSc Heritage Visualisation class. Her studies culminated in the development of a virtual reality GIS platform that enriches the exploration of historical sites by incorporating live geospatial data, thus enhancing user engagement and deepening understanding of the past. Laura’s academic excellence was recognised when she was awarded the Chair's Medal for Simulation and Visualisation in 2023, as well as first place in the Creative Enterprise Award.
Motivated by her commitment to preserving stories of the past, Laura's contribution to the GSA Archives and Collections exemplifies her belief in the power of archives to safeguard our heritage and enlighten future generations.