Maria Doriana De Padova
(“Alma Mater Studiorum” Università di Bologna, Italy)
Keywords: Computer Vision, 3D, Medieval Archaeology, Meshlab, Interpretation
Abstract:
Fieldwork interpretation of archaeological data can be at the present time a challenging operation involving several established methods. Combining traditional techniques with advanced technological tools in the archaeological field, creates opportunities to model historical space and time providing the possibility to interpret an archaeological excavation in “real-time”. In the present project laser scanner data and computer vision techniques combined with traditional 2D data, allowed the visualization and the interpretation of ancient contexts making possible evaluations of building features in workshops and stores. Computer vision and laser scanner data processed with Agisoft Photoscan and Meshlab were used to evaluate and analyze, in a non-invasive way, medieval buildings. Applying filters to meshes so as to inspect small features, the real artifact shape, measurements, cross sections, it is possible to compare the resulting images with traditional drawings, getting additional information and “real-time” interpretation. From a research point of view, the possibility of an early visualization of different hypotheses allows a deeper comprehension of the archaeological context. This project is aimed at analyzing the remains and reinterpreting the function of medieval buildings in an italian excavation both during the excavation and afterwards. The challenge is using and recycling old 2D data and drawings, matching them with new acquisitions, trying see in a new light areas investigated many years before.