[ Enter the Past ] Vienna - Austria, 8-12 April 2003
 

ID_person: 184
ID_paper: 233 (Workshop)

Geoff Avern

CAA 2003 - Discussion Forum
Small- and Medium-Scale 3D Modelling in Archaeology

While Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Virtual Reality (VR) have dominated 3D modelling in Archaeology for a number of years, there is a growing number of archaeologists concerned with 3D modelling on a smaller scale and with higher resolution for use on finds (e.g. ceramics, lithics) and even the excavation itself. The differences in these forms of 3D modelling are considerable, from data acquisition devices to modelling software.

With a slightly different emphasis than was previously advertised, this discussion forum will provide both an introduction to this emerging field and an opportunity for current practitioners and interested parties to discuss issues or problems, and share techniques and tips. The forum will be held in two sessions, each taking the form of a number of short (10 minute) presentations followed by open floor discussions.


SESSION 1 (09:00-10:30): 3D MODELLING OF ARTEFACTS
 
Introduction to the Discussion Forum, Dr Geoff Avern (chairman)
 

"Three-Dimensional Digitizing of Cuneiform Tablets: requirements, solutions, and new challenges."
PD Dr. Gerfrid G.W. Müller (Institut für Orientalische Philologie, Universität Würzburg, Ludwigstr. 6, D-97070 Würzburg, Germany)
There have been several attempts to produce 3D-models of cuneiform tablets in the last few years. The paper will present the specific requirements of Ancient Near Eastern philologists, preliminary results and discuss problems concerning the distribution and handling of very large models.

 

"3D Acquisition Systems: experiences from practical use of the Fastscan by Polhemus."
Cédric Laugerotte (Systèmes Logiques et Numériques CP 165/57, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 50 av. F. Roosevelt, 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

In order to manipulate virtually archaeological fragments through 3D models, it is necessary to acquire their geometry. For this purpose, several 3D acquisition systems exist. We chose the Fastscan system (commercialised by Polhemus) which is based on laser triangulation. The purpose of our project is to virtually manipulate digitalized small scale fragments of stone sculpture in order to try to reconstruct archaeological objects.

 
"Automated archivation of pottery."
DI. Martin Kampel
(Pattern Recognition and Image Processing Group, Institute for Automation, Vienna University of Technology, Favoritenstr. 9/183/2, A-1040 Vienna, Austria. Email: kampel@prip.tuwien.ac.at)
We are developing a documentation system for archaeological fragments based on their profile, which is the cross-section of the fragment in the direction of the rotational axis of symmetry. To achieve the profile, a 3d-representation of the object is necessary. The main technical goal of this project is to perform an automated classification and reconstruction of archaeological fragments by using the profile section of the oriented object and additional attributes (type of clay, dimensions, type of vessel and the site) belonging to the fragment. The final aim is to provide a tool that helps archaeologists in their archivation process. In my talk I shall give an overview about an automated archivation process and 3d-acquisition with respect to archaeological requirements.
 
"Hardware and Software Issues Involved in Three-Dimensional Artefact Modeling Using Portable Non-Contact Laser Digitizers."
Aaron Bergstrom
(North Dakota State University Archaeology Technologies Laboratory, 402 Minard Hall, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105, USA)
A discussion of how to use room lighting and three-dimensional (3D) editing software to avoid including colour, resolution, and range precision errors as part of a 3D digital artefact model.

"Virtual Artifacts for Virtual Museum Displays."
Prof. Jeffrey T. Clark (North Dakota State University, P.O. Box 5075, Fargo, ND 58105, USA)
The creation of 3D digital artifacts is a value exercise for research and preservation goals. Those models can also serve a valuable role in public education and enjoyment. This presentation will discuss the potential use of virtual artifacts for virtual museum exhibits and other public oriented displays.

 

SESSION 2 (11:00-12:30): 3D MODELLING AT THE EXCAVATION.
 
"In Situ 3D Scanning of Archaeology and Archaeological Contexts."
Alistair Carty
(Archaeoptics Ltd., PO Box 3738, Glasgow G41 4YD, Scotland.)
This presentation discusses the application of 3D laser scanning techniques, both close-range and terrestrial, to the accurate and fast recording of in situ archaeology and archaeological contexts especially with regard to integration with existing survey control and photogrammetric recording.
 
"3d Laser Scanner and Stratigraphic Excavation."
Dr Wolfgang Neubauer
(Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science, Franz Klein-Gasse I/V, A-1190 Wien. Email: Wolfgang.Neubauer@univie.ac.at)
and Michael Doneus (Institut für Ur- und Frühgeschichte, Franz-Kleingasse 1, A-1190 Wien. E-Mail: Michael.Doneus@univie.ac.at)
Stratigraphic excavation is based on the uncovering and recording of the single units of stratification, i.e. of deposits and surfaces in the reverse order of their deposition. Single deposits, the material aspects of stratification, are 3D volumes that are destroyed by excavating them and can only be captured by sampling. Contrary to deposits, surfaces, the immaterial aspects of stratification, can be recorded entirely in 3D space. The outstanding importance of 3D single-surface recording for the stratigraphic record encourages the use of high resolution 3D laser scanners combined with digital imagery as a standard instrumentation for future archaeological research.
 
"Shortcomings of 3D Acquisition Technologies for On-site Recording."
Dr Geoff Avern (Winkfield Row, Berkshire, UK. Email: oxynoe@madasafish.com )
There are many instruments for 3D data acquisition, employing a number of range-finding technologies, but are any of them a practical proposition for delivering the data we really want for the recording of excavations?
 
"The 3D Nature of Archaeological Data: methodological and technical issues."
Stefania Merlo
(Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, UK. Email: sm339@cam.ac.uk)
This presentation aims to pose some fundamental questions in three-dimensional excavation processes. In particular it discusses the need of strategic choices during data collection and highlights the potential problems in using software designed for spatial data analysis of large areas within the smaller intra-site environment.
 
 

[gor]22-01-2003