Harris Matrix Composer 2.0

Harris Matrix Composer is a specialized application for archaeologists and heritage professionals to design, edit, and present Harris matrices—the standard method for visualizing stratigraphic relationships in excavations. It streamlines the process of turning context records into a clear, logically consistent sequence diagram for analysis, phasing, and publication.

Key capabilities:

• Create and edit nodes representing contexts/units, with labels, notes, and color-coding
• Define stratigraphic relationships (earlier/later, equivalent/same, and grouping for phases)
• Automatic layout and tidy-up tools to keep complex matrices readable
• Consistency checks to help avoid logical conflicts and cycles
• Drag-and-drop interaction, multi-select, and alignment tools for efficient editing
• Export to common image and graph formats for reports, presentations, and archival
• Printing support and high-resolution outputs suited for publication or site documentation

Typical uses:

• Building a site’s stratigraphic sequence from context sheets
• Phasing and refinement of excavation data during post-excavation analysis
• Producing clear visuals for interim reports, final publications, and teaching

Designed to reduce manual diagramming effort while maintaining the rigor of the Harris Matrix method, Harris Matrix Composer helps teams move from raw stratigraphic observations to clear, communicable interpretations.

Harris Matrix Composer is developed by Imagination Computer Services GmbH and is used by 1 user of Software Informer. The most popular versions of this product among our users are: 2.0 beta and 2.0.