Photogrammetry in archaeology: modern technologies of documentation and reconstruction (projects of the rec of altaic studies and turkology “Great Altai”)

Nations and religions of the Eurasia, 2024

Full text Open access: Gold Metadata (CSL-JSON)
DOI 10.14258/nreur(2024)2-02
Data confidence 85 high
How this score is calculated

It is built from checkable properties of the record itself: whether the article has a DOI, how many independent sources confirmed its data, whether the required fields are filled in, and how recent the latest confirmation is. Disagreement between sources and a missing identifier lower it. A value of 80 or above means the record was published without further checking; 60 to 79 means it is published at reduced confidence, with a manual check advisable. A record verified by an editor by hand is never pushed below 90 by a recalculation. This scores our data about the article, not the article itself.

Abstract

The article explores the utilization of technology, specifically photogrammetry, for precise documentation of objects of varying sizes and the subsequent analysis of the digital replicas produced. In the realm of archaeology, modern digital tools offer enhanced accuracy and versatility in studying artifacts, providing not only detailed but comprehensive insights into the objects under examination. While photogrammetry has become a staple in archaeological research, its effectiveness is hindered by challenges such as the requirement for costly equipment and specialized expertise. By focusing on three distinct objects — the 2022 excavation at the Ust-Teplaya monument in the Charyshsky district of the Altai Territory, a Turkic sculpture from the Biysk Museum of Local Lore, and a fragment of a mirror from the same museum — the article illustrates the practical application of this technology. The quality and precision of the final 3D model hinge primarily on the resolution of the photos capturing the object, necessitating a high level of pixel detail. Particularly with smaller objects containing intricate details, there is a heightened risk of relative distortions, demanding meticulous calibration of the camera and correction of any errors in distortion during the photography process. The article briefly touches upon the diverse applications of the generated 3D model, including orthogonal computer visualizations devoid of perspective distortions and the enhancement of subtle embossed patterns. It concludes by underscoring the promising future of photogrammetry in archaeology, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the methods of researching and conserving archaeological artifacts. The article also considers various avenues for further development in this field, hinting at the transformative impact this technology could have on archaeological practices.