Sarah CHAPMAN1 / Marta LORENZON2
(1University of Birmingham, Birmingham UK / 2University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK)
Keywords: 3D modeling, documentation, visualisation, Conservation, mudbrick architecture
Abstract:
The compilation of a detailed 3D representation of archaeological data is of great importance, either for documentation needs or for restoration purposes.
The aim of this paper is to offer a preliminary result of a project that combines 3D modeling with conservation of the archaeological data. The present example is the monumental 3rd- 4th century A.D. large public structure at Tell Timai in the northeastern Egyptian Delta.
The outstanding mudbrick building has a preserved height of 8 metres and the structure still preserves part of a window, a spiral staircase to allow access to the second and third floors, and monumental walls that have a thickness of 7 metres.
A 3D model of the entire building could be really important in order to understand its function, to do a condition assessment, and to figure out conservation options.
The necessary 3D data is derived from photogrammetric techniques using the software package Agisoft Photoscan Standard. Our methods for creating 3D models include the use of orthorectifed aerial photos taken by remote control quadcopter and terrestrial photos taken using a full frame DSLR. The software is cost effective and our hardware requirements are minimal, including the use of digital cameras.
The development of the most widespread 3D modeling techniques has made it possible to export the data in a variety of forms including Adobe PDF. It is preferable to disseminate this data in the form of a PDF, which is a published and nearly universally accessible format.
The ongoing development and updating of such information techniques allows a broader use of them in activities related to any branch of archaeological fieldwork and consequent archival documentation.