OxCal is a widely used software for radiocarbon dating calibration and statistical analysis. This paper discusses recent and planned developments in OxCal, focusing on three main areas: more flexible prior probability definitions, more robust statistical models, and improved data presentation methods. 1. **More Flexible Prior Probability Definitions**: OxCal now supports additional built-in distributions, such as the Poisson distribution, for defining priors. This allows for more nuanced and realistic modeling, particularly in cases where the value cannot be negative. The program also extends the ability to define priors for other queries, making it easier to incorporate prior knowledge into models. 2. **More Robust Statistical Models**: - **Trapezium Phase Modeling**: This new feature allows for gradual transitions between phases, providing more flexibility in modeling deposition processes. - **Variable Rigidity for Poisson-Process Modeling**: The rigidity parameter in the Poisson process model can now vary, allowing for more realistic modeling of sedimentary sequences with varying deposition rates. - **Covariance Information**: The ability to extract covariance information from MCMC modeling stage is added, facilitating better understanding of parameter correlations. 3. **Data Presentation**: - **SVG and Mapping**: All graphical data presentation is in SVG format, with tools for conversion to PDF and PNG. A mapping package is included, allowing users to present data on maps, which can be useful for spatial analysis. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of these developments in enhancing the robustness and flexibility of OxCal, particularly in handling complex chronological data and improving the presentation of results.OxCal is a widely used software for radiocarbon dating calibration and statistical analysis. This paper discusses recent and planned developments in OxCal, focusing on three main areas: more flexible prior probability definitions, more robust statistical models, and improved data presentation methods. 1. **More Flexible Prior Probability Definitions**: OxCal now supports additional built-in distributions, such as the Poisson distribution, for defining priors. This allows for more nuanced and realistic modeling, particularly in cases where the value cannot be negative. The program also extends the ability to define priors for other queries, making it easier to incorporate prior knowledge into models. 2. **More Robust Statistical Models**: - **Trapezium Phase Modeling**: This new feature allows for gradual transitions between phases, providing more flexibility in modeling deposition processes. - **Variable Rigidity for Poisson-Process Modeling**: The rigidity parameter in the Poisson process model can now vary, allowing for more realistic modeling of sedimentary sequences with varying deposition rates. - **Covariance Information**: The ability to extract covariance information from MCMC modeling stage is added, facilitating better understanding of parameter correlations. 3. **Data Presentation**: - **SVG and Mapping**: All graphical data presentation is in SVG format, with tools for conversion to PDF and PNG. A mapping package is included, allowing users to present data on maps, which can be useful for spatial analysis. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of these developments in enhancing the robustness and flexibility of OxCal, particularly in handling complex chronological data and improving the presentation of results.