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2. 3D imaging

Gabriel Bodard edited this page Jan 17, 2024 · 17 revisions

3D Imaging: From remote sensing to photogrammetry

SunoikisisDC Digital Approaches to Cultural Heritage: Session 2

Date: Thursday January 18, 2024. 16:00-17:30 GMT.

Convenors: Gabriel Bodard, Emlyn Dodd (University of London), Stephen Kay (British School at Rome), Vera Moitinho de Almeida (University of Porto)

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/aAopJQWiH2w

Slides: Combined slides (PDF)

Outline

This session introduces the concept of 3D imaging: capturing imagery, geometry, surface or volumetric features, etc. of an existing heritage object to create a digital model. After a very brief overview of techniques and tools, from geophysics, computed tomography, laser scanning to RTI and photogrammetry, we look at a couple of case studies using remote sensing and drone photography to record the progress of excavation at an archaeological site. We will end by suggesting a practical exercise that students can attempt at home using any camera or mobile device, and free (trial) software, and discussing important questions for the scholarly use of 3D image data, including methodology and documentation.

Required readings

Further readings

  • M. Andrews, S. Bernard, E. Dodd, B. Fochetti, S. Kay, P. Liverani, M. Millett & F. Vermeulen. 2023. “The Falerii Novi Project.” Papers of the British School at Rome, 91 (October 2023): 9–34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0068246223000053.
  • A. Bentkowska-Kafel & L. MacDonald. 2017. Digital Techniques for Documenting and Preserving Cultural Heritage. Arc Humanities Press.
  • Bonacchi, C. et al. 2014. "Crowd-sourced Archaeological Research: The MicroPasts Project." Archaeology International 17, pp. 61–68. Available: http://hdl.handle.net/1893/27671.
  • Galeazzi, F. & Di Giuseppantonio Di Franco, P. 2017. "Theorising 3D Visualisation Systems in Archaeology: Towards more effective design, evaluations and life cycles." Internet Archaeology 44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.44.5
  • Matthew Magnani, Matthew Douglass et al. 2020. “The Digital Revolution to Come: Photogrammetry in Archaeological Practice.” American Antiquity 85-4, 737–760. Available: https://www.academia.edu/44297686/The_Digital_Revolution_to_Come_Photogrammetry_in_Archaeological_Practice
  • Moitinho de Almeida, V. (2023). “Contributions of 3D digital methods and techniques to the study of ancient pottery”. In Myths, Gods, and Heroes. Greek vase collections in Portugal / Mitos, Deuses e Heróis. As coleções de vasos gregos em Portugal (vol.2). R. Morais, R. Centeno, D. Ferreira (eds.). Câmara Municipal de Santa Maria da Feira - Museu Convento dos Lóios; Reitoria da Universidade do Porto; Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto; Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra. Pp.269-291. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pz0eiaRKZl77lcDFC7EjbAKgHPqZWUg7/view?usp=drive_link
  • Seaton, K.-L., Laužikas, R., McKeague, P., Moitinho de Almeida, V., May, K., Wright, H. (2023). “Understanding Data Reuse and Barriers to Reuse of Archaeological Data. A quality-in-use methodological approach”. Internet Archaeology 63. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.63.8
  • K. Sengoku-Haga, 2017. "Polykleitos and his followers at work: how the Doryphoros was used." In J. M. Daehner et al. Artistry in Bronze: the Greeks and their Legacy. LA: Getty Conservation Institute. Available: http://www.getty.edu/publications/artistryinbronze/the-artist/10-haga-et-al/
  • P. Shydlovskyi, I. Kuijt et al. 2023. "The tools of war: conflict and the destruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage." Antiquity 97(396):e36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2023.159
  • Davide Tanasi, Ilenia Gradante & Stephan Hassam. 2019. "Best Practices for 3D Digital Recording and Global Sharing of Catacombs from Late Roman Sicily." Studies in Digital Heritage 3.1: 60.82. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.14434/sdh.v3i1.25290.
  • Anca Timofan et al. 2019. "PANTHEON 3D: An Initiative in the Three-Dimensional Digitization of Romanian Cultural Heritage." Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai Digitalia 63.2: 65-83. Available: https://digihubb.centre.ubbcluj.ro/journal/index.php/digitalia/article/view/52.
  • Vandenbeusch, M., O’Flynn, D., & Moreno, B. 2021. “Layer by Layer: The Manufacture of Graeco-Roman Funerary Masks.” The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 107(1–2), 281–298. Available: https://doi.org/10.1177/03075133211050657.

Resources

Exercise

Following the advice in this session (supplemented by the video tutorials listed below if you need them), practice the technique of photogrammetry on a small object or local monument.

  1. Install Agisoft Metashape on your computer, and activate the free 30-day trial license.
  2. Take c. 40–80 photographs, using a camera, phone, tablet, etc, making sure to capture every possible angle of the object in overlapping images.
  3. After deleting any blurred or overexposed images, import them into Metashape and run the three steps (align photos, build mesh, apply texture), and both save your work as a project and export it as a 3D model.
  4. [If applicable.] Bring your work to share with your tutor and fellow students at the next class.

Additional tutorials