Rugged Ridgelines to Software Lines — Unearthing my path to Codifi
As a field archaeologist, I’ve traversed some of the most rugged terrains, from the ridgelines of Pago Pago in American Samoa to the lush landscapes of Hawaii, and managed artifact curation in the urban settings of Portland. Each location presented its own set of challenges and adventures. I remember vividly on my first project, our field director took a perilous tumble off a ridgeline. It was in pulling him to safety that I truly earned my keep. In another heart-stopping incident, a few colleagues and I were caught in a rockslide; I found myself taking refuge behind a banyan tree, holding my breath as boulders crashed around us.
These experiences underscore the physical demands of field archaeology — a profession that isn’t for the faint-hearted. Ask any archaeologist about digging shovel test pits for a week, and they’ll tell you about the toll it takes on the body. While the reprieve from fieldwork can sometimes be a welcome short-term relief, the truth is, I loved every grueling moment. Being out in the field, exploring, recording, and honoring the past was profoundly fulfilling.
Over the next decade, I ventured into the tech world, working with startups and striving to bring modern solutions to traditional industries. Yet, my passion for archaeology never waned. Seeking a break from tech, I began attending conferences and shows, which led me to a serendipitous meeting with Michael Ashley at a show in Bend. Michael introduced me to Codifi and what they had built — a revelation for someone like me, who knew all too well the meticulous standards required in field data collection.
In my days in the field, taking notes and filling out reports followed rigorous, sometimes monotonous standards. The repetition of report writing and compliance forms could become mind-numbingly boring. At Codifi, I saw a clear vision to alleviate these repetitive bureaucratic tasks for field archaeologists. The platform was designed to streamline the data collection process and manage archaeology projects efficiently.
One elusive project that got away was a planned survey of Rose Atoll. It would have been a pioneering archaeological expedition to this tiny and isolated place, requiring three flights and a few hours by boat. Our firm had bid for this exciting opportunity, but fate had other plans. With the sudden death of our principal investigator, Joe, my career in contract archaeology unexpectedly came to an end.
Codifi’s vision resonated deeply with me. The team was committed, the goal was clear, and the impact was evident. By simplifying some of the more cumbersome aspects of archaeological work, Codifi allows archaeologists to focus more on what they love — discovering and preserving history. This blend of technology and traditional fieldwork is not just innovative; it’s transformative.
As I integrate my field expertise with the technological advancements at Codifi, I am excited about the future. Together, we are not just preserving the past; we are ensuring that the field of archaeology itself remains vibrant and relevant in the modern age.
Jake Estes
If you are as passionate and interested as I am in how digitizing field work can protect our shared record of humanity, let’s talk. You can schedule a meeting with me at https://meetings.hubspot.com/jestes4 or reach me by email at jestes@codifi.com
