Understanding Archaeological Site Topography: 3D Archaeology of Archaeology

The current ubiquitous use of 3D recording technologies in archaeological fieldwork, for a large part due to the application of budget-friendly (drone) sensors and the availability of many low-cost image-based 3D modelling software packages, has exponentially increased the amount of 3D data of archaeological sites and landscapes. Various applications have advanced far beyond the experimental phase, such as the deployment of 3D surface recording for excavation interpretation, as a complementary data layer for prospection and as the basis for visualisation/presentation. Of particular attention here is the degree to which drone 3D recording can further advance the understanding of archaeological site topography. In this paper, current developments in the field of 3D recording will be discussed in the context of the ‘Archaeology of Archaeology’ approach, which is being developed at the University of Amsterdam. This paper is the result of a Round Table discussion at the CAA conference on April 5, 2023, in Amsterdam. The examples at the conference sessions clearly showed how beneficial it is when 3D recording techniques can be combined with other available information. In particular, the potential of old photographs was highlighted. Our experiences at Troy suggest that re-excavation of dumps and specific trenches and comparison of finds are also highly promising. In addition, considering the manifold possibilities of 3D hard- and software and the sheer quantity of the data available for a site such as Troy, several attendees to the session emphasized the necessity of a problem-oriented approach when researching and developing a platform as an access point, organising, and presenting collected information

A virtual place of memory: Virtual reality as a method for communicating conflicted heritage at Camp Westerbork

An important goal of the project Accessing Campscapes: inclusive strategies for using European Conflicted Heritage (iC-ACCESS), has been to develop inclusive approaches for the presentation and communication of contending perspectives on Nazi and Stalinist sites (Dolghin et al. 2017). A key objective for treating these 'heritagescapes' has been to 'develop state-of-the-art strategies and implement innovative tools which provide sustainable in-situ and virtual forms of investigation, presentation and representation' (Van der Laarse 2020). A central issue which is gaining increasing attention in heritage studies and management is the dilemma of preserving and exhibiting material remnants of Wehrmacht and SS-barracks or residencies at Holocaust memorial camps which are generally framed as victimhood sites. The Commander's house at Herinneringscentrum Westerbork is a case in point and can be placed in different perspectives on the history of the camp terrain and all related sensibilities on its meaning as an object of heritage. In order to realise an application that can accommodate these perspectives, iC-ACCESS project leader Prof. dr. R. van der Laarse contracted two laboratories specialised consecutively in 3D visualisation technologies and spatial information to cooperate on its development, the 4D Research Lab (University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and the SPINlab (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam). This paper illustrates the ideas, discussions and choices related to the production of the 'Campscapes – Westerbork Commander's House App', provides a concise technical description of the actual application and presents a short prospection on potential future developments

The use of photogrammetry in the conservation of painted outdoor sculpture:Adressing Jean Dubutffet’s <i>Jardin d'Email</i>

This research evaluates the use of innovative imaging technolo- gies to aid the conservation of large-scale contemporary painted outdoor sculpture. It explores photogrammetry and image- based 3D modelling as tools during the conservation of Jardin d’émail (1974) by Jean Dubuffet (1901-1985), owned by the Kröller-Müller Museum.In partnership with the 4D Research Lab at the University of Amsterdam, 3D digital models of the sculpture and two scale-models were created.This research assesses the effectiveness of using 3D digital models to inform the repainting of the sculpture’s black lines on white background as part of the treatment process. The use of photogrammetry to document the patterns and forms of the sculpture and scale-models is also evaluated. The creation of 3D digital models from the photogrammetric data allows for devi- ation analysis to be carried out, highlighting where areas of the scale-model and sculpture deviate significantly. The 3D models were uploaded on an app for use on tablets to enable responsive access during treatment. This research showed that photogram- metry is not only useful for large scale sculpture documentation, but can also aid the treatment of outdoor sculpture by producing geometrically accurate representations of the scale-model to be used as a reference during repainting

The use of photogrammetry in the conservation of painted outdoor sculpture:Adressing Jean Dubutffet’s <i>Jardin d'Email</i>

This research evaluates the use of innovative imaging technolo- gies to aid the conservation of large-scale contemporary painted outdoor sculpture. It explores photogrammetry and image- based 3D modelling as tools during the conservation of Jardin d’émail (1974) by Jean Dubuffet (1901-1985), owned by the Kröller-Müller Museum.In partnership with the 4D Research Lab at the University of Amsterdam, 3D digital models of the sculpture and two scale-models were created.This research assesses the effectiveness of using 3D digital models to inform the repainting of the sculpture’s black lines on white background as part of the treatment process. The use of photogrammetry to document the patterns and forms of the sculpture and scale-models is also evaluated. The creation of 3D digital models from the photogrammetric data allows for devi- ation analysis to be carried out, highlighting where areas of the scale-model and sculpture deviate significantly. The 3D models were uploaded on an app for use on tablets to enable responsive access during treatment. This research showed that photogram- metry is not only useful for large scale sculpture documentation, but can also aid the treatment of outdoor sculpture by producing geometrically accurate representations of the scale-model to be used as a reference during repainting