Stadtarchäologie - Workshop 7

3D-Recording of Reality during Archaeological Excavations
New High Tech Survey Techniques for Three-dimensional Feature-recording

Due to the use of new electronic measurement instruments and computer technologies, the techniques of excavation recording and 3D-field observation will probably change persistently in the next few years. Especially, the use of different electronical 3D-measurement technologies like laser scanners, laser pantographs or total stations now allows a quick and efficient three-dimensional survey of archaeological features.
The systematic approach to 3D-recording of heritage features in archaeology, architecture or art history should be combined with digital photography and picture processing. Photos can be mapped on 3D-surfaces and are thereby representing 3D-models, which can serve as virtual reality models of the entire excavation process. Then, especially developed CAD programs with combined databases - like the ArcTron products ArchaeoCAD, ArcheaoDATA and ArchaeoMAP - allow an evaluated graphical 3D-documentation for the scientific use as an archaeological information system.
Especially for modeling 3D-features in archaeology, the German excavation company and software developer ArcTron Inc. utilizes 3D laser scanning systems. These systems have already been used very successfully in industrial measurement, design and production processes. They can measure surface structures and three-dimensional solids, which finally can be converted on the computer into exact three-dimensional models. Due to the high number and precision of measured points, a realistic 3D picture of complex structures can be reached. The revolutionary aspects of this new technology have not only resulted in numerous innovation awards - its advantages are obvious:
- extremely high working speed
- 3D technology for inside and outside measuring
- high accuracy and high measurement distances
- secure and contactless measurement
Even the field of postediting with suitable 3D software offers a variety of new possibilities. By including the real color information, the resulting 3D models can represent photo-realistic images of the measured objects. The ability of 3D laser scanners to even measure objects with very complex and detailed surfaces provides a method for a completely new type of stock-taking in 3D.
Some features of 3D editing software:
- photo-realistic 3D models (visualisation, animation, multimedia, CAD/CAM)
- exact areas and sections
- exact calculations of areas and masses
- conversion into conventional CAD plans
- basic models for archaeological reconstruction
The use of these technologies has lead to completely new 3D-recording techniques, which will be explained using different examples of our work with such systems during the recording process of archaeological excavations, architectural monuments, finds and sculptures.

Martin Schaich
Ausgrabungen & Computerdokumentationen GmbH 3D-Vermessungstechnik & Softwareentwicklungs GmbH MSchaich@arctron.de

3D-Recording of Reality during Archaeological Excavations New High Tech Survey Techniques for Three-dimensional Feature-recording Due to the use of new electronic measurement instruments and computer technologies, the techniques of excavation recording and 3D-field observation will probably change persistently in the next few years. Especially, the use of different electronical 3D-measurement technologies like laser scanners, laser pantographs or total stations now allows a quick and efficient three-dimensional survey of archaeological features. The systematic approach to 3D-recording of heritage features in archaeology, architecture or art history should be combined with digital photography and picture processing. Photos can be mapped on 3D-surfaces and are thereby representing 3D-models, which can serve as virtual reality models of the entire excavation process. Then, especially developed CAD programs with combined databases - like the ArcTron products ArchaeoCAD, ArcheaoDATA and ArchaeoMAP - allow an evaluated graphical 3D-documentation for the scientific use as an archaeological information system. Especially for modeling 3D-features in archaeology, the German excavation company and software developer ArcTron Inc. utilizes 3D laser scanning systems. These systems have already been used very successfully in industrial measurement, design and production processes. They can measure surface structures and three-dimensional solids, which finally can be converted on the computer into exact three-dimensional models. Due to the high number and precision of measured points, a realistic 3D picture of complex structures can be reached. The revolutionary aspects of this new technology have not only resulted in numerous innovation awards - its advantages are obvious: - extremely high working speed - 3D technology for inside and outside measuring - high accuracy and high measurement distances - secure and contactless measurement Even the field of postediting with suitable 3D software offers a variety of new possibilities. By including the real color information, the resulting 3D models can represent photo-realistic images of the measured objects. The ability of 3D laser scanners to even measure objects with very complex and detailed surfaces provides a method for a completely new type of stock-taking in 3D. Some features of 3D editing software: - photo-realistic 3D models (visualisation, animation, multimedia, CAD/CAM) - exact areas and sections - exact calculations of areas and masses - conversion into conventional CAD plans - basic models for archaeological reconstruction The use of these technologies has lead to completely new 3D-recording techniques, which will be explained using different examples of our work with such systems during the recording process of archaeological excavations, architectural monuments, finds and sculptures.