The amount of 3D modelling applications in archaeology has increased enourmously over the last decade. 3D recording techniques allow researchers to quickly and accurately document... Show moreThe amount of 3D modelling applications in archaeology has increased enourmously over the last decade. 3D recording techniques allow researchers to quickly and accurately document archaeological evidence, and 3D reconstructions have created new possibilities to communicate the results to a larger public. In this latter case, however, numerous scholars have expressed their concern regarding the ethics of such digital representations, since they give prominence to a crystallized image of the past. The study presented here aims to make a practical contribution to a new understanding and use of 3D reconstructions, namely as “laboratories” to test hypotheses and visualize and evaluate alternative interpretations. In order to do so, an analysis of visual reconstructions of the early and late modern period is presented first, followed by a discussion of current applications of 3D digital reconstructions, with a special focus on cityscapes. Lastly, the implementation of a research-driven, intellectually transparent and GIS-based 3D reconstruction is proposed for the urban site of Koroneia, in Boeotia, Central Greece. With a strong focus on the automation and iteration of the reconstruction process, our 3D visualization provides an intuitive insight into hidden relationships and associations among data, and allows the creation and evaluation of alternative reconstruction hypotheses. Show less
In recent years, the creation of computer-based archaeological reconstructions has become increasingly widespread. The attempt to visually “reconstruct” relics of ancient architecture, however, is... Show moreIn recent years, the creation of computer-based archaeological reconstructions has become increasingly widespread. The attempt to visually “reconstruct” relics of ancient architecture, however, is not a novelty of the digital age. Although little research has been done so far in this direction, taking an historical perspective on reconstructions of archaeological evidence over the centuries offers some reflections on the use and legacy of modern 3D visualizations in archaeology. This contribution discusses a selection of archaeological reconstructions (both drawings and 3D physical models) of Roman and Greek cities in the early and late modern period, focussing especially on the motivations, the aims and the methods that guided such endeavours. By doing so, it will shed light on how much the reconstructed past was in fact the result of a re-elaboration of present needs, thoughts and beliefs. Moreover, it will trace the path towards the formation of a scientific method of archaeological inquiry, which includes the elaboration of ways to assess the reliability of the reconstruction. Show less
Kamermans, H.; Piccoli, C.; Neef, W. de; Posluschny, A.G.; Scopigno, R. 2016
This volume brings together presentations from two sessions organized for the XVII World UISPP Conference that was held from 1-7 September 2014 in Burgos (Spain). The sessions are: The scientific... Show moreThis volume brings together presentations from two sessions organized for the XVII World UISPP Conference that was held from 1-7 September 2014 in Burgos (Spain). The sessions are: The scientific value of 3D archaeology, organised by Hans Kamermans, Chiara Piccoli and Roberto Scopigno, and Detecting the Landscape(s) – Remote Sensing Techniques from Research to Heritage Management, organised by Axel Posluschny and Wieke de Neef. The common thread amongst the papers presented here is the application of digital recording techniques to enhance the documentation and analysis of the spatial component intrinsically present in archaeological data. For a long time the capturing of the third dimension, the depth, the height or z-coordinate, was problematic. Traditionally, excavation plans and sections were documented in two dimensions. Objects were also recorded in two dimensions, often from different angles. Remote sensing images like aerial photographs were represented as flat surfaces. Although depth could be visualized with techniques such as stereoscopes, analysis of relief was troublesome. All this changed at the end of the last century with the introduction of computer based digitization technologies, 3D software, and digital near-surface sampling devices. The spatial properties of the multi-scale archaeological dataset can now be accurately recorded, analysed and presented. Relationships between artefacts can be clarified by visualizing the records in a three dimensional space, computer-based simulations can be made to test hypotheses on the past use of space, remote sensing techniques help in detecting previously hidden features of landscapes, thus shedding light on bygone land uses. Show less
