3D recording

Graphics are the raw data produced from a growing range of archaeological tools. The new University of Southampton mu-Vis CT centre at Southampton produced voxel and surface models of archaeological (and many other) objects. Our time-of-flight, phase and triangulation laser scanners similarly sample the archaeological world and produce graphical products. In surveying buildings it is now more common to use a digital photogrammetric camera than a pencil, and in the domain of small object and surface recording Reflectance Transformation Imaging relies on algorithms more commonly associated with the production of film graphics and on increasingly powerful tools such as non-photorealistic rendering.

We have been interested in the application of 3d data capture for many years. Currently our work in this area is focussed on:

• Reflectance Transformation Imaging, using PTM and HSH 2.5D fitting methods. We have developed a range of recording, processing and visualisation methods for these data and are working closely with domain experts such as conservators, software developers such as HP Labs and digital heritage partners such as Cultural Heritage Imaging to move the technology forward and to increase uptake. Most recently we have been funded by the AHRC RTISAD project in this area.
• We make extensive use of laser scanning and photogrammetry. Currently James Miles (PhD student) is on an internship at the IT Innovation Centre working on small object capture methodologies and protocols. We also work with a range of museums and on research projects such as Portus and Noviodunum where many different artefact types are being imaged. We have used photogrammetry and time-of-flight scanning on site for a number of years, employing off-the-shelf and bespoke technologies to create visual representations of excavated archaeological features. Currently much of this work is again focussed on Portus but also on the innovative applications of iGPS being developed by Geoff Avern.
• We have begun to employ computed tomography (CT) on many archaeological materials. We are able to collaborate with the mu-Vis centre at Southampton which has five brand new (2011) complementary scanning systems supporting a wide range of sample sizes (imaged volumes up to 1.5 x 1 x 1m) and resolution (down to ~200nm). In addition to the impressive hardware we are working with the centre and its partners to find innovative computational solutions to thresholding archaeological CT and other volumetric data.