Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology (eBook)

Maurizio Forte is William and Sue Gross Professor of Classical Studies Art, Art History, and Visual Studies at Duke University. He is also the founder of the DIG@Lab (for a digital knowledge of the past) at Duke. His main research topics are: digital archaeology, classical archaeology, and neuro-archaeology. He was professor of World Heritage at the University of California, Merced, (School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts) and Director of the Virtual Heritage Lab. He was Chief of Research at Italian National Research Council (CNR) of “Virtual Heritage: Integrated digital technologies for knowledge and communication of cultural heritage through virtual reality systems”, Senior Scientist at CNR’s Institute for Technologies Applied to the Cultural Heritage (ITABC), and Professor of "Virtual Environments for Cultural Heritage" in the Master of Science in Technology-Enhanced Communication for Cultural Heritage at the University of Lugano. He has coordinated archaeological fieldwork and research projects in Italy as well as Ethiopia, Egypt, Syria, Kazakhstan, Peru, China, Oman, India, Honduras, Turkey, USA, and Mexico.  Since 2010 he has been director of the 3D-Digging project at Çatalhöyük.Stefano Campana is currently MC advanced Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge UK. He is specializing in landscape archaeology, remote sensing, GIS, and archaeological methodology for purposes of research, recording, and conservation. His work is focused on the understanding of past landscapes from prehistory to the present day. The principal context for his work has been Tuscany but he has also participated in and led research work in the UK, Spain, Turkey, Palestine, and Asia. Since 2006 he has been a faculty member of the University of Siena (Italy), in the Department of History and Cultural Heritage, where he has engaged in teaching and research as Senior Lecturer in Ancient Topography. He has been very active in the international sphere and has established a sound reputation for innovative research. In 2011 he was proposed and admitted as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA) and in 2012 he was invited to be a member of the General Management Board of HIST, the Governing Board of the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage, under the auspices of UNESCO and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Preface 6
Acknowledgements 8
Contents 9
About the Editors 12
Introduction 14
Data Collection and Technology 19
1 Terrestrial Laser Scanning in the Age of Sensing 20
Abstract 20
Overview of New Data Capture, Processing, and Visualization Systems in Relation to Terrestrial Laser Scanning 21
Alternative 3D Capture Systems 22
User-Oriented Data Processing and Open-Source Software 26
3D Web Visualization and Cloud Services 29
State of the Art of Terrestrial Laser Scanning in 2015 32
Pros and Cons of Terrestrial Laser Scanning 33
Case Studies 37
Conclusions or Why Terrestrial Laser Scanning Matters in the Age of Sensing 43
References 46
2 Airborne Laserscanning in Archaeology: Maturing Methods and Democratizing Applications 51
Abstract 51
Introduction 51
Established Methods and Practices for Archaeological ALS 52
Data Acquisition 52
Classification Routines 53
Visualizations 54
Ongoing First Level Methodological Development 56
Special Cases in Classification: Low Scrub 56
Special Cases in Classification: Stony Surfaces 57
Special Cases in Visualization: Direct Viewing of Point Cloud Data 57
Second Level Methodological Development 58
Integration with Fieldwork 58
Communication Issues: Aerial Imagery Interpretation, Dynamic Visualizations and the Retreat from the Hachure Plan 60
Beyond Methodology 61
Topography as Archaeological Information: Reading the Impact of Recent Land Use 61
Topography as Archaeological Information: Interpreting Other ‘scrapes’ in the Landscape 62
Topography as Archaeological Information: Diffuse Urbanism in Neo-tropical Rainforests 63
Conclusions 64
References 65
Image and Digital Processing 67
3 Terrestrial Lidar and GPR Investigations into the Third Line of Battle at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Guilford County, North Carolina 68
Abstract 68
Introduction 69
Literature Review 71
Methodology 74
Results 79
Discussion 81
Conclusion 81
References 83
4 Applying UAS Photogrammetry to Analyze Spatial Patterns of Indigenous Settlement Sites in the Northern Dominican Republic 85
Abstract 85
Introduction 86
Indigenous Settlements on Hispaniola 87
Archaeological Knowledge on Settlements 88
The Site of El Manantial in the Montecristi Province 89
Photogrammetry Data Acquisition 92
Interpretation of the Photogrammetric Data 95
Conclusion 97
Acknowledgments 98
References 98
Landscape Representation and Scales 102
5 Towards a Holistic Archaeological Survey Approach for Ancient Cityscapes 103
Abstract 103
Introduction 103
Urban Survey Experiences in the Western Mediterranean 106
Concluding Remarks 122
Bibliography 122
6 Sensing Ruralscapes. Third-Wave Archaeological Survey in the Mediterranean Area 125
Abstract 125
Introduction 125
Some Remarks on Second-Wave Survey 127
Starting a ‘Third Wave’ of Landscape Survey 130
The Emptyscapes Project: Intensifying ‘Third-Wave’ Survey in the Mediterranean Countryside 134
The Rusellae Landscape 136
Field Survey, Aerial Photography and the Detection of Archaeological Evidence 138
Archaeological Interpretation of the Medieval Landscape 142
Conclusions 153
Acknowledgments 154
References 155
7 What Do the Patterns Mean? Archaeological Distributions and Bias in Survey Data 158
Abstract 158
Introduction 158
Causes of Patterning in the Archaeological Record 159
Topography, Land Use, Soils and Weather 161
Survey Strategies and People 164
Looking Without Seeing 168
Classification and Terminology 170
Settlement and Land Use Histories 172
Dealing with Bias 173
Rigorous Analysis of Survey Data and Critical Reflection on Survey Practice 173
Presenting Data Effectively 174
Beyond Bias? 175
Concluding Comments 178
Acknowledgments 178
Bibliography 179
8 3D Tool Evaluation and Workflow for an Ecological Approach to Visualizing Ancient Socio-environmental Landscapes 182
Abstract 182
Introduction 183
Case Study: Copan, Honduras 183
Advantages and Challenges to 3D Visualization for Landscape Archaeology 185
Workflow: An Ecological Approach 187
Data Acquisition 187
Plants 187
Terrain 187
Settlement/Architecture 187
Land Use 188
Data Processing 188
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 188
3D Modeling 188
3DGIS Data Visualization and Analysis 189
Ecological Framework 189
Initial Questions 189
Case Study: Copan Honduras 190
Data Acquisition 191
Plants 191
Photos 191
Airborne LiDAR 192
3D Models 192
Pollen (Soil Cores) 192
Plant Communities 193
Terrain 193
LiDAR 193
Shapefiles (Vector Data) 193
Settlement 193
Land Use 193
Data Processing 194
GIS 194
Determining Potential Plant Community Locations 194
Trees and Shrubs 195
Aquatic Plants 195
Upland Herbs 196
Determining Archaeological Settlement Locations 196
Non-Maya Patterns 198
Maya Patterns 198
3D Models 199
Generating Individual 3D Plant Models 199
3D Settlement Data 201
Software for 3DGIS Landscape Visualization 201
Future Direction: 3DGIS Data Visualization and Analysis 205
Acknowledgments 206
References 206
9 Visualizing Medieval Iberia’s Contested Space Through Multiple Scales of Visibility Analysis 210
Abstract 210
2D and 3D Viewshed Analysis 211
ADIMO 212
Viewshed Analysis—Methodology 216
Viewshed Analysis—Historical Context of the Reconquest 217
Intervisibility Networks 219
Calatrava La Nueva 221
Volumetric Visibility at the Fortress-Monastery of Montesa 222
Step 1: Photogrammetry 224
Steps 2–5: Point-Cloud Cleaning, Meshing, Retopology and Modeling 227
The Light-Vision Metaphor 229
3D Data Visualization 230
Multiple-Scale Visibility Analysis 235
References 237
10 Pre- and Proto-Historic Anthropogenic Landscape Modifications in Siem Reap Province (Cambodia) as Seen Through Satellite Imagery 239
Abstract 239
Introduction—Sensing the Past South-East Asian Landscapes 240
The Settings—Northwest Cambodia Before Angkor 240
Method—Anthropogenic Modifications as Seen Through Satellite Imagery 243
Results—Populating the Past Landscapes of Cambodia 252
Conclusions—Landscape Studies as a New Approach in Southeast Asian Archaeology 252
Acknowledgments 253
References 253
11 The Ambivalence of Maps: A Historical Perspective on Sensing and Representing Space in Mesoamerica 257
Abstract 257
The Limits of Spatial Data: Abstraction, Temporality, and Power 258
Abstraction 259
Temporality 260
Power 260
Archaeologists in Space: Innovative Approaches to Current Problems 261
What Can Spatial Data Reveal About Past Spatial Knowledge and Practices? 262
How Can We Map Spaces Whose Traces Are All but Erased? 264
What Political Challenges and Opportunities Do New Mapping Technologies Present? 271
Concluding Thoughts: Being Ambiguous and Disruptive Are Not Necessarily Bad Things 274
Acknowledgments 274
References 275
Simulation, Visualization and Computing 279
12 Cyber Archaeology: 3D Sensing and Digital Embodiment 280
Abstract 280
Introduction 280
Sensing and Poli sensing 284
Virtual Reality and Embodiment 286
The Embodied Archaeologist 291
Conclusions and Future Perspectives in Cyber archaeology 294
References 297
13 Emergent Relationality System/The Insight Engine 299
Abstract 299
This New Field 302
Relational Database 303
Polysensing System 303
Relational World Generator 304
R-map—Room|Region|Relation Mapping 305
The Existing Tools of CyberArcheology 305
The Insight Engine 306
Searchable Mark-up for All Media Objects including Sensing System Data 307
Semantic, Syntactic, Statistical Analysis, as well as AI and Pattern Recognition 307
A Compendium of Relationalities as Applied to Learning Systems 307
Neosentience 308
Future Approach—The Light Data Domain 308
Conclusion 309
References 310
14 Using 3D GIS Platforms to Analyse and Interpret the Past 312
Abstract 312
Introduction 313
Geographic Information Systems and 3D Models in Archaeology 316
3D GIS in Practice 317
Experiences in Contextualizing 3D Models 318
The Use of 3D Geographic Information Systems in Support of Archaeological Interpretation 320
Conclusions 326
Acknowledgments 327
References 327
15 Archaeology in the Age of Supercomputing 330
Abstract 330
Introduction 330
The Current State of the Art for High Performance Computing 331
HPC Hardware 332
HPC Software 336
Available Resources Beyond the Desktop 339
Archaeological Supercomputing: Illustrative Use Cases 341
Landscape Recording and Reconstruction 342
Terrain Analysis 344
Social Network Analysis 348
Complex Adaptive Systems 348
Concluding Thoughts: The Art of the Possible 349
Acknowledgments 352
References 352
Interpretation and Discussion 354
16 Measuring the Face of the Past and Facing the Measurement 355
Abstract 355
The Dimensions of the Past 355
High Density Measurement 356
Representation 358
Abstracting the Past 358
What Would Leonardo Do? 359
Visualizations and Phenomenology 364
Linking Measurement and Representation 364
A Digital Ecosystem 365
Decomposition of Representation 367
Reuse—The Ultimate Objective 368
Sustainability 369
Digital Publication Issues 371
Conclusions 372
References 372
17 An Integrated Archaeological Prospection and Excavation Approach at a Middle Neolithic Circular Ditch Enclosure in Austria 376
Abstract 376
Introduction 377
Location 378
The Site 379
Methods 381
Multi-method Approach 381
Magnetic Measurements 381
Magnetic Properties 382
Magnetic Susceptibility Measurements 384
Magnetometry 385
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) 386
Aerial Photography 387
Measurements 387
Magnetometry 387
Magnetic Susceptibility 388
In Situ Measurements 388
Laboratory Measurements 388
GPR 389
Aerial Photography 389
Results 390
Aerial Photography 390
Ground Penetrating Radar 391
Magnetometry 392
Topsoil Magnetometry 392
After Topsoil Removal Magnetometry 392
Magnetometer Measurements During Excavation 394
Magnetic Susceptibility 396
Field Magnetic Susceptibility 396
Trench After Topsoil 396
Inner Ditch Magnetic Susceptibility Profile 398
Palisade Trench 399
Laboratory Magnetic Susceptibility 399
UTEMIS II Multi-frequency Measurements 403
Discussion 404
Acknowledgments 406
References 406
18 Creating a Chronological Model for Historical Roads and Paths Extracted from Airborne Laser Scanning Data 409
Abstract 409
Introduction 410
The Research Areas 411
The Veluwe 411
The Leitha Hills 411
Absolute Dating 412
Archaeomatic Dating 413
Optical Stimulate Luminescence (OSL) Dating 416
Carbon-14 Dating 417
Relative Chronology 418
Relative Pollen Analysis 419
Relative Dating Intersection 419
Historical Maps 421
Archaeological Dating 422
Geomorphology 423
A Case Study 423
The History of the Leitha Hills 423
Harris Matrix Composer 426
OCHRE 426
Conclusion 437
Acknowledgments 437
References 437
Cultural Resource Management: Communication and Society 439
19 From Remote to Embodied Sensing: New Perspectives for Virtual Museums and Archaeological Landscape Communication 440
Abstract 440
Technologies and Cultural Heritage 441
Digital Ecosystems and Embodied Interaction 443
Sensing Cultural Heritage: Looking for a Deeper Union Between Contents and Technologies 448
Preliminary Steps: Choice of Key Concepts, Target, Environment, Communicative Registers, Technologies 448
Alternation and Rhythm Variations 450
A Guided Learning Process 451
Storytelling, Direction, New Contamination of Media 451
Body Interaction in the Sensitive Space 454
Transparency of the Scientific Approach, Reusability 459
Emotional Sensing of the Landscape 459
Tiber Valley Virtual Museum 461
Map-Scape and Reconstructed Landscape: Methodological Approach 463
Mind-Scape: Advanced Media for Communication and Storytelling 467
Conclusions 474
References 475
20 Cultural Heritage and Digital Technologies 478
Abstract 478
Introduction 479
State of the Art 479
From a Processual- to a Cyber-Archaeological Approach 479
Museums and Virtual Museums 482
Digital Tools and Virtual Reality 483
Digital Technologies and Virtual Reality Serving Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 485
Theoretical Issues 486
Studying and Knowing the Past Through Virtual Immersive Environments 489
The Agora of Segesta Between Virtual- and Cyber-Archaeology 489
Introduction 489
The Site 490
Workflow 490
Results 492
Conclusions 494
References 495
Index 498