Hybrid 3D visualisations of archaeological sites: dynamic 3D visualisations of Harris Matrix data for rescue town excavations, Gdansk / Szafarnia site, Poland

In our solution a rich database model is used to represent stratigraphic data. This allows for the easy selection of ranges and types of data for visualisation. Using a simple data management application, several archaeologists can easily share the same dataset, enabling group work. Using a database management system for data storage instantly gives numerous benefits, which, among others, include efficient data representation, robust data access, transactional processing and data integrity constraints (verification of possible values, their constraints, their relationships, etc.). A prototype of an X-VR based Harris Matrix visualisation system has been developed. 3D diagrams can be displayed using standard VRML plug-ins to internet browsers without installing any specific software. The system has been tested on data from Gdańsk town excavations – Szafarnia (Schaferei) site

Kultura i społeczeństwo na Środkowym Nadodrzu w XIX i XX wieku

303 s. : il., portr.

Dynamic 3D Visualisation of Harris Matrix Data

International audienceA method of 3D visualisation of archaeological sites combining 3D spatial representation of particular excavation units with complex symbolic representation of the sites based on the Harris Matrix model is presented. The 3D representation provides information about geographic and geometric properties of the units, while the matrix representation reveals temporal relationships between the units and layers. Dynamic creation of the 3D models provides a high level of flexibility allowing users to freely select data and adjust the method of visualisation