Archaeological site monitoring: UAV photogrammetry can be an answer

During archaeological excavations it is important to monitor the new excavated areas and findings day by day in order to be able to plan future excavation activities. At present, this daily activity is usually performed by using total stations, which survey the changes of the archaeological site: the surveyors are asked to produce day by day draft plans and sections which allow archaeologists to plan their future activities. The survey is realized during the excavations or just at the end of every working day and drawings have to be produced as soon as possible in order to allow the comprehension of the work done and to plan the activities for the following day. By using this technique, all the measurements, even those not necessary for the day after, have to be acquired in order to avoid a ‘loss of memory'. A possible alternative to this traditional approach is aerial photogrammetry, if the images can be acquired quickly and at a taken distance able to guarantee the necessary accuracy of a few centimeters. Today the use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) can be considered a proven technology able to acquire images at distances ranging from 4 m up to 20 m: and therefore as a possible monitoring system to provide the necessary information to the archaeologists day by day. The control network, usually present at each archaeological site, can give the stable control points useful for orienting a photogrammetric block acquired by using an UAV equipped with a calibrated digital camera and a navigation control system able to drive the aircraft following a pre-planned flight scheme. Modern digital photogrammetric software can solve for the block orientation and generate a DSM automatically, allowing rapid orthophoto generation and the possibility of producing sections and plans. The present paper describes a low cost UAV system realized by the research group of the Politecnico di Torino and tested on a Roman villa archaeological site located in Aquileia (Italy), a well-known UNESCO WHL site. The results of automatic orientation and orthophoto production are described in terms of their accuracy and the completeness of information guaranteed for archaeological site excavation managemen

Archeological 3D Mapping: The Structure from Motion Revolution

Mapping is a critical aspect of systematic documentation no matter where archaeologists work. From hand-drawn maps of excavation units to maps created with Total Data Stations or LiDAR scanning, today’s archaeologists have a suite of mapping techniques and technologies to choose from when documenting a site. Typically, spectacular sites often receive high resolution mapping, whereas everyday sites rarely do. Recently, however, a revolutionary technology and technique has been created that can produce highly accurate and precise three-dimensional maps and orthophotos of archaeological sites, features, and profiles at a fraction of the cost and time of LiDAR and intensive TDS mapping: Structure from Motion (SfM). SfM is a new digital photography processing technique for capturing highly detailed, three-dimensional (3D) data from almost any surface using digital cameras. This article introduces the various platforms SfM photographs can be collected from (UAV, kites, balloons, poles, and groundbased) and provides examples of different types of data SfM can provide. The Structure from Motion Revolution is unfolding across the globe at a rapid pace, and we encourage archaeologists to take advantage of this new recording method

2.2. The Things We Can Do with Pictures: Image-Based Modeling and Archaeology

Since the wide-spread availability of cost efficient image-based modeling software emerged five years ago, the discipline of archaeology has seen a proliferation of all things digital. The implementation of 3D modeling specifically is well attested as evidenced initially by a wave of peer-reviewed studies testing the technology for archaeological purposes, which has then been followed by colloquia, conferences panels, workshops, and publications focusing on the technology’s analytical benefits. It remains evident that although digital archaeology is not a new development, it now has a heretofore unpresented degree of staying power. The intention here is to present a critical analysis of the technology by drawing on a set of field applications that highlight how this technology continues to transform the discipline through a diverse set of methodological and interpretive frameworks.https://dc.uwm.edu/arthist_mobilizingthepast/1010/thumbnail.jp

Fotogrametría UAV en apoyo del levantamiento de un sitio arqueológico. modelos 3D en la Hierápolis de Frigia (Turquía)

[EN] Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry has shown a very rapid development in many fields, especially in archaeological excavation areas and architectural complexes, where it offers a detailed generation of three-dimensional (3D) data including the possibility of updating over time. It also proves to be a very flexible tool applicable to many types of complex areas with a variety of different features. The use of aerial acquisition provides highly effective results, adding to both rapid capture and lower costs. In fact, today in the field of archaeological research, great efforts are invested in the generation of very large-scale models and orthophotos, and the technology seems to promise further future developments, not only from the terrestrial (orthogonal) point of view, but also from the nadiral direction from a low altitude, as a preferential and often optimal point of view. Here an effective workflow for photogrammetric product generation is presented for selected case studies in some monumental areas of ancient Hierapolis in Phrygia (Turkey), in which the Italian Archaeological Mission of Hierapolis (MAIER) has been working since the 1960s. The recent experiences achieved by UAV photogrammetry are quite innovative. The variety and complexity of the buildings, as well as the height of their ruins, offer numerous challenges, which are interesting to deal with. The 3D aerial survey was performed for multiple purposes with the eBee system by Sensefly. Specific attention was paid to the digital surface model (DSM) and aerial orthoimages of three test areas: the Plutonium area; the Thermal Bath-Church; and the Necropolis. Starting from the same technical approach, a comparative assesment among the three sites was carried out, taking into account the specific goals, the type of the structure and the terrain conformation.[ES] La fotogrametría con vehículos aéresos no tripulados (Unmanned Aerial vehicle, UAV) ha mostrado un desarrollo muy rápido en muchos campos, especialmente en áreas de excavación arqueológica y complejos arquitectónicos, donde ofrece una detallada generación de datos tridimensionales (3D), junto con su actualización en el tiempo. También demuestra ser una herramienta muy flexible aplicable en muchos tipos de áreas complejas, con diferentes características formales. El uso de la toma aérea proporciona hoy resultados altamente efectivos, lo que aumenta la rapidez de adquisición y menores costes. De hecho, hoy en día en el campo de la investigación arqueológica, se invierten grandes esfuerzos a la hora de generar modelos y ortoimágenes a grandes escalas, y parece prometer más desarrollos futuros, no sólo desde el punto de vista terrestre (ortogonal), sino también con dirección nadiral, desde baja altitud, como punto de vista preferencial y óptimo. Aquí se presenta un flujo de trabajo eficaz que permite generar productos fotogramétricos en varios casos de estudio en áreas monumentales de la antigua Hierápolis de Frigia (Turquía), donde la Misión Arqueológica Italiana de Hierápolis (MAIER) ha estado funcionando desde los años 1960. Estas experiencias logradas con la fotogrametría UAV son bastante innovadoras. La variedad y la complejidad de los edificios, así como la altura de sus ruinas ofrecen numerosos puntos problemáticos que son interesantes de tratar. El levantamiento aéreo 3D se realizó con múltiples propósitos por medio del sistema eBee de Sensefly. Se prestó especial atención al Modelo Digital de Superficie (MDS) y a las ortoimágenes aéreas en tres áreas de prueba: el área de Plutonio; la Iglesia-Baño Termal; y la Necrópolis. Partiendo del mismo enfoque técnico, se ofreció una evaluación comparativa de los tres sitios, teniendo en cuenta los objetivos específicos, el tipo de estructura y la configuración del terreno.Chiabrando, F.; D'andria, F.; Sammartano, G.; Spanò, A. (2018). UAV photogrammetry for archaeological site survey. 3D models at the Hierapolis in Phrygia (Turkey). Virtual Archaeology Review. 9(18):28-43. doi:10.4995/var.2018.5958SWORD284391

UAV-BASED ARCHAEOLOGICAL 3D MONITORING: A RURALSCAPE CASE IN IRAQI KURDISTAN

Recently rapid mapping techniques based on UAV photogrammetry increasingly help on-site archaeological documentation works. Multi-temporal data are specifically crucial in diachronic investigation research, and for this purpose the data co-registration and integration can support the accurate 3D digitization of excavation phases and make coherent topological relation among them and phases-related stratigraphic units’ data. In this framework, the level of automation and accuracy control are challenging aspects to streamline the documentation process during excavation activities, however all experimentation phases must be tested and validated in the actual archaeological context, where the boundary conditions are typically demanding. This research is developed during the collaboration project with Cà Foscari University of Venice, started in 2022 campaign, in the excavation site of Tell Zeyd, in Iraqi Kurdistan, The Tell Zeyd Archaeological Project (ZAP) aims to study the rural landscape of the hinterland of Mosul in the long Islamic period, from the Arab conquest in the 7th century to the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire with the First World War, as an ideal observatory on the characteristics of the settlement in its spatial organisation, places of worship, production installations and facilities for storing foodstuffs. The research aims to present the preliminary test and results on an experimental documentation activity based on multi-scale UAV mapping strategy and training with the archaeological expert group, and particularly for automatic co-registration of multi-temporal data, considering different images datasets epochs belonging to subsequent excavation phases

3D Reconstruction of rock paintings: a cost-effective approach based on modern photogrammetry for rapidly mapping archaeological findings

The work describes a cost-effective methodology for the creation of 3D virtual models with both metric and photo-realistic content developed for archaeologists who need to rapidly map new findings during their field prospections. The potential of modern photogrammetry approach, based on Structure from Motion (SfM) and dense image matching algorithms, coupled with the use of low-cost cameras is evaluated for the creation of 3D models and orthophotos of rock paintings. The case study is located in Brealito valley, in the Calchaqui basin of the Province of Salta, Argentina. In these wide areas, actually known for the naturalistic value, a huge amount of archeological remains was found and surveyed for the first time in August 2013 within a research project funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A methodological approach to record the findings in a cost-effective and reliable way is defined, acquisitions are performed with common use instruments such as digital cameras (off-the-shelf and single lens reflex - SLR) and measuring tapes. The novelty of the work lies in defining, experiencing and transferring to operators a simple methodology for digitizing and mapping the archeological heritage in order to provide 2D orthophotos and 3D models. Such methodology allows anyone, archaeologists or unprofessional personnel, to be trained and easily perform a survey in order to document, survey and study the investigated site

Survey and photogrammetry in underwater archaeological contexts at low visibility in the Venice lagoon

Underwater archaeological research, survey, and documentation are influenced by environmental conditions, in particular for the photographic aspects. The last challenge of the underwater survey is the application of the photogrammetric technique in the low visibility of murky lagoon water with a strong current and constant tide. These conditioning factors have determined the employment of digital technologies to obtain a 3D model of archaeological sites in the Venice Lagoon. In these extreme conditions, typical of the Venice Lagoon, with water visibility around 0,5/1 m, digital techniques have permitted to obtain 3D models of submerged structures from the Roman period, thanks to a meticulous planning of the work, an extensive photogrammetric acquisition, and a strong topographic survey

Integration of photogrammetric and terrestrial laser scanning techniques for heritage documentation

[EN] This paper presents the preliminary works of the Integration of Photogrammetric and Terrestrial Laser Scanner Techniques for Heritage Documentation Research Project (IFOTEL TIN2009-09939; Ministry of Science and Innovation, National Programme R+D+I, 2008-2011). The IFOTEL project aims with the improvement and optimization of heritage documentation by means of combination and integration of different methods and techniques, mainly close range photogrammetry (both terrestrial and aerial with light platforms), terrestrial laser scanner and surveying, joining the advantages of the different methods but also minimizing the disadvantages of each single technique.[ES] Este trabajo presenta las ideas y trabajos preliminares del proyecto Integración de Técnicas de Fotogrametría y Escáner Láser Terrestre para la Documentación Patrimonial (IFOTEL TIN2009-09939; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Plan Nacional I+D+i, 2008-2011), con el que se pretende buscar la mejora y optimización de la documentación del patrimonio cultural mediante la combinación de diferentes métodos, especialmente de fotogrametría (tanto terrestre como aérea mediante el uso de plataformas ligeras), técnicas de barrido láser (LÍDAR terrestre) y topografía, que aúnen las ventajas de todos ellos minimizando sus inconvenientes.The present study has been financed by grant TIN2009-09939 (IFOTEL Project) from the Ministry of Science and Innovation, National Programme R+D+I, 2008-2011, European Regional Development Funds (FEDER) and TEP-213 Research Group (PAI, Junta de Andalucía).Cardenal Escarcena, FJ.; Mata De Castro, E.; Pérez García, JL.; Mozas Calvache, AT.; Fernández Del Castillo, T.; Delgado García, J.; Ureña Cámara, M.... (2011). Integration of photogrammetric and terrestrial laser scanning techniques for heritage documentation. Virtual Archaeology Review. 2(3):53-57. https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2011.4605535723CIPA (2010). CIPA_Heritage Documentation: Objectives and Activities. In: http://cipa.icomos.org/index.php?id=40 (last accessed April 2010).EVARAERTS, J. (2008). Unmanned aerial vehicles for photogrammetry and remote sensing. In:Advances in Photogrammtery, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information sciences:2008 ISPRS Congress Book. Eds. Li, Chen y Baltsavias. Chapter 9, 117-126. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Gr. London. http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9780203888445.ch9HABIB, A. (2009). Integration of LIDAR and Photogrammetric Data: Triangulation and Orthorectification. In: Topographic Laser Ranging and Scanning. Principles and Processing. Eds.: Shan & Toth. Chap. 13, 371-402, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Gr. London.MOZAS, A., PEREZ-GARCIA, J.L., BARBA, V., LOPEZ-ARENAS, A. (this congress). Estudio geométrico de piezas arqueológicas a partir de un modelo virtual 3D. II International Meeting on Graphic Archaeology and Informatics, Cultural Heritage and Innovation. Arqueologica 2.0. Sevilla, June 16-19 2010.PATIAS, P. GRUSSENMEYER, P., HANKE, K. (2008). Applications in Cultural Heritage Documentation. In:Advances in Photogrammtery, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information sciences:2008 ISPRS Congress Book. Eds. Li, Chen y Baltsavias. Chapter. 27, 363-383. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Gr. London.PEREZ-GARCIA, J.L., MOZAS, A., CARDENAL, J. (this congress). Fotogrametría de bajo coste para la modelización de edificios históricos. II International Meeting on Graphic Archaeology and Informatics, Cultural Heritage and Innovation. Arqueologica 2.0. Sevilla, Jun

Application of Digital Heritage Documentation for Condition Assessments and Monitoring Change in Uzbekistan

Cultural heritage is facing irreversible changes due to anthropogenic and natural impacts. Condition assessment is a holistic approach to analyse the historic buildings, structures or sites to record changes and understand their deterioration and causes. Detailed documentation is an essential first step for mapping the condition, analyse, give a diagnosis and propose conservation measures. However, not all the time the appropriate documentation is available or recorded towards this means, making difficult a proper assessment. This paper presents a review of digital documentation tools supporting a systematic assessment of the condition and changes of historic structures. The application aerial and close-range photogrammetry and panoramic photography is illustrated using two case studies within the World Heritage properties in the Central Asia region, Itchan Kala and the Historic Centre of Bukhara in Uzbekistan