A 3d Model of an Archaeological Excavation

Abstract

We think that archaeological fieldwork can be enhanced by using Virtual Reality techniques and 3D graphical models. In this paper, we present how to acquire 3D data from the field, and the process of computer representation in order to build a visually understandable model of the excavated reality. The paper explains the process of data capture (both coordinates and shapes), and how images are mathematically rectified. The next step is based on building a Digital Elevation Model of the archaeological layer. Once a model of the excavation has been obtained, we can use the computer model to understand stratigraphic sequence in such a way that gives much more information than standard approaches based on bidimensional or unidimensional matrices. The method also allows volume calculation, and the simulation of archaeological formation and deformation processes. The idea is not only to give a 3D impression of archaeological units, but to understand archaeological formation process based on the actual shape of archaeological deposits.