2 results
Ancient Vase 3D Reconstruction and 3D Visualization
- Edited by Mingquan Zhou
- Iza Romanowska, Zhongke Wu, Pengfei Xu, Philip Verhagen
-
- Book:
- Revive the Past
- Published by:
- Amsterdam University Press
- Published online:
- 23 June 2021
- Print publication:
- 17 August 2012, pp 59-64
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
Abstract:
The paper describes the process of 3D virtual reconstruction of an ancient fragmented vessel. The work followed several steps: identification of significant potsherds for the 3D reconstruction, the 3D acquisition of the fragments with laser scanner, the analysis of the 3D model (diameter, vertical projection, orientation and thickness), 3D reconstruction and modelling of the vessel, photographic acquisition and orthostereoscopic rendering for 3D visualization.
Key Words: Archaeology, 3D Modelling, Laser Scanning, Open-Source Software, Ortho-Stereoscopy.
Introduction
Many archaeological finds uncovered during excavations are pottery fragments. Archaeologists select identifiable ones in order to assign their type, to understand cultural, economic, chronological and social aspects of the site under investigation. The main steps of potsherds study are: orientation of fragments, diameter estimation, profile estimation and drawing (diameter, vertical projection, profile). Our case study concerns the study and 3D reconstruction of a set of fragments belonging to one vessel, (roughly and partially) restored by the conservation laboratory of the Archaeological Museum of Larnaca, Cyprus. Since conservators were unable to fully understand the original shape of the vessel, we tried to virtually reconstruct it. The main difficulties related to this type of work are: a large amount of small fragments, inability to place them properly along the 3D surface and the inaccurate physical restoration that forced us to define a virtual error correction (Goel and Priyank 2005). All potsherds larger than 10cm were digitally acquired with a laser scanner (multi-stripe laser triangulation) and opensource software were used for post-processing (MeshLab, Blender). During the postprocessing the correct orientation of fragments was calculated through geometric analysis; the potsherds physically restored were virtually separated and repositioned in the right way. Once the 3D virtual shape was obtained, the vessel was digitally rebuilt and textured using photographs with colour calibration. Blender software was used for modelling and for the stereoscopic virtual set up of the vessel in order to obtain the “ortho-stereoscopic” rendering. The final result is the 3D model of the vessel, which was used for 3D stereoscopic vision simulation. Illusionary depth perception and immersive view experience allows to better understand the shape and the volume of an object which is unreadable in the fragmented conditions or in traditional restoration.
Preventive Archaeology: Towards a Technological Integrated Solution
- Edited by Mingquan Zhou
- Iza Romanowska, Zhongke Wu, Pengfei Xu, Philip Verhagen
-
- Book:
- Revive the Past
- Published by:
- Amsterdam University Press
- Published online:
- 23 June 2021
- Print publication:
- 17 August 2012, pp 177-185
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
Abstract:
The topic presented here is an on-going research which has been carried out at the Science and Technology in Archaeology Research Center (STARC) of The Cyprus Institute. The aim of the project is to evaluate and elaborate a technological integrated solution for rescue and preventive archaeology, urban planning and Cultural Heritage management. It will also be able to receive and handle various constraints set by different users. Therefore, in order to simulate and test tools and methodology, the archaeological excavation of Agios Georgios Hill in Lefkosia (Cyprus) has been used as a case study. The possibility to use different techniques of data acquisition, documentation, interpretation and visualization will allow to evaluate and propose alternatives and possible scenarios.
Key Words: Integrated Technologies, Urban Planning, Preventive Archaeology
Introduction
Preventive archaeology has recently received considerable interest in archaeology. Its importance is directly connected to the development of a site or to the growing of society in general.
The growth of a city is determined by several parameters such as cultural, historical and archaeological, economic, political, etc. Planning strategies are one of these parameters.
Such a strategy has to take into consideration the protection and management of multitudinous but scarce elements of cultural heritage within a contemporary world with an expanding population and changing needs. The management should in fact include a range of elements like cultural landscapes, archaeological sites, old buildings and artefacts that of course exist in an environment where people live, build new constructions and roads, modify the cities and the rural areas as well as create an impact on the cultural resources. For this reason, decisions must be taken in order to strike a balance between the practical and inevitable growth and the protection and preservation of the cultural/archaeological elements (King 2002).
A poor knowledge of the territory or a complete negligence of the local authorities, institutions and operators, has frequently led to the destruction of valuable archaeological remains. There are several cases of severe damages, both archaeological and economic, that could be easily detected and solved. Professionals, developers, constructors, engineers and architects should consider the archaeological factor in their projects.