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Defining Best 3D Practices in Archaeology

Comparing Laser Scanning and Dense Stereo Matching Techniques for 3D Intrasite Data Recording

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 January 2017

Fabrizio Galeazzi ,
Holley Moyes  and
Mark Aldenderfer
Fabrizio Galeazzi
Affiliation:
Department of Archaeology, University of York, The King’s Manor, York, UK YO1 7EP ([email protected])
Holley Moyes
Affiliation:
School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, University of California, Merced, 5200 N. Lake Road, Merced CA 95343 ([email protected]; [email protected])
Mark Aldenderfer
Affiliation:
School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, University of California, Merced, 5200 N. Lake Road, Merced CA 95343 ([email protected]; [email protected])
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Abstract

This research aims to investigate the potential use of three-dimensional (3D) technologies for the analysis and interpretation of heritage sites. This article uses different 3D survey technologies to find the most appropriate methods to document archaeological stratigraphy, based on diverse environmental conditions, light exposures, and varied surfaces. The use of 3D laser scanners and dense stereo matching (DSM) techniques is now well established in archaeology. However, no convincing comparisons between those techniques have been presented. This research fills this gap to provide an accurate data assessment for the Las Cuevas site (Belize) and represents a starting point for the definition of a sharable methodology. Tests in Las Cuevas were conducted to compare both accuracy and density reliability in cave environments using two different techniques: triangulation light laser scanner and DSM. This study finds that DSM is the most economical, portable, and flexible approach for the 3D documentation of archaeological sites today. In fact, DSM allows the 3D documentation process to be done more efficiently, reducing both data acquisition and processing time. Nonetheless, the quantitative comparison presented in this paper underscores the need to integrate this technique with other technologies when the data acquisition of micro-stratigraphy is required.

Este ensayo analiza la potencialidad de las tecnologías 3D para el análisis e interpretación del patrimonio histórico y cultural. Este trabajo usa diferentes técnicas 3D con el fin de encontrar los métodos más apropiados para documentar la estratigrafía arqueológica, basados en diversas condiciones ambientales, exposición a la luz y variedad de superficies. A pesar de que actualmente se ha establecido el uso de las técnicas de laser escáner 3D y de la técnica fotogramétrica (DSM) “dense stereo matching” en el campo arqueológico, considero no convincentes las comparaciones que se han hecho hasta el presente entre estas dos técnicas. Esta investigación colma este vacío proveyendo una detallada evaluación de los datos de los asentamientos arqueológicos de Las Cuevas (Belize) y representa un punto de partida concreto hacia la definición de una metodología compartible. Utilizando dos técnicas diferentes, la triangulación de la luz del escáner láser y DSM, se hicieron análisis en Las Cuevas para comparar la precisión y la fiabilidad de densidad en entornos rupestres. Este estudio encontró que el DSM es más económico, portátil, y flexible para la documentación 3D de sitios arqueológicos en la actualidad. De hecho, el DSM permite el proceso de documentación 3D reduciendo tanto la adquisición de datos como el tiempo del proceso. No obstante la comparación cuantitativa presentada en este ensayo, cabe subrayar la necesidad de integrar dicha técnica con otras tecnologías, cuando la adquisición de datos requiere una micro estratigrafía

Type
Research Article
Information
Advances in Archaeological Practice , Volume 2 , Issue 4 , November 2014 , pp. 353 - 365
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2014

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