GIANT'S GRAVES
Giant's Graves is a Neolithc chambered burial cairn located on the Isle of Arran.
The aim of this project was to 3D record the remains of the monument and its imediate surroundings.
The 3D survey was conducted using convergence photogrametry. Multiple sets of digital images were taken at ground level and linked together using reference targets with known GPS positional data.
Giant's Graves is a Neolithc chambered burial cairn located on the Isle of Arran.
The aim of this project was to 3D record the remains of the monument and its imediate surroundings.
The 3D survey was conducted using convergence photogrametry. Multiple sets of digital images were taken at ground level and linked together using reference targets with known GPS positional data.
Giant's Graves North Chamber
Processing this digital data resulted in a 3D digital model of the entire site.
The detail contained within this model facilitates the analysis of features on a landscape level and also the examination of the stones at a sub millimetre level
Onsite observations were combined with the analysis of the digital data. The results provided the basis of a digital visualisation of the monument as it may have looked in the Neolithic.
The detail contained within this model facilitates the analysis of features on a landscape level and also the examination of the stones at a sub millimetre level
Onsite observations were combined with the analysis of the digital data. The results provided the basis of a digital visualisation of the monument as it may have looked in the Neolithic.
POINTCLOUD DATA
The poincloud is the result of processing the digital images using convergence photogrammetry.
The pointcloud accurately represents the spatial properties of surfaces captured in the digital images.
The physical form of the stones and their environment are represented by the distribution of millions of points.
The resolution or point density for the surface of the stones is sub-millimetre. This level of detail captures the micro typography of the rock surface.
The poincloud is the result of processing the digital images using convergence photogrammetry.
The pointcloud accurately represents the spatial properties of surfaces captured in the digital images.
The physical form of the stones and their environment are represented by the distribution of millions of points.
The resolution or point density for the surface of the stones is sub-millimetre. This level of detail captures the micro typography of the rock surface.
Detail enhancing shaders can be appled to the data to help visualise any tool marks or ancient carvings on the rock surface.
By recording the rocks in this level of deatil an archive of high resolution data is created which in future can be studied as part of a wider research aim.
Using convergence photogrammetry it was possible to create a highly detailed digital record of the cambered burial cairn and the local landscape.
By recording the rocks in this level of deatil an archive of high resolution data is created which in future can be studied as part of a wider research aim.
Using convergence photogrammetry it was possible to create a highly detailed digital record of the cambered burial cairn and the local landscape.
Plane Shaded, Digital visualisation of pointcloud data
ANALYSIS
The image to the right is a 'Plane Shaded' plan view visualisation of the pointcloud data for the project.
A greyscale value has been applied to each point in the pointcloud. The value is determined by the points spatial relationship to a geometric plane.
This process results in the amplification of topographical differences. The changes in topography provide clues to the history and development of the site.
The image to the right is a 'Plane Shaded' plan view visualisation of the pointcloud data for the project.
A greyscale value has been applied to each point in the pointcloud. The value is determined by the points spatial relationship to a geometric plane.
This process results in the amplification of topographical differences. The changes in topography provide clues to the history and development of the site.
By examining the topography and spatial relationships between surfaces we start to build up an understanding of the form of the monument.
Understanding the archaeological features present in the data provides a basis for the construction of the interpretive 3D model.
Multiple elements and phases of the monument are identified in both the digital data and through onsite observations.
Understanding the archaeological features present in the data provides a basis for the construction of the interpretive 3D model.
Multiple elements and phases of the monument are identified in both the digital data and through onsite observations.
Pointcloud data for the main stones, false colour
INTERPRETATION
Applying the analysis of the data with on-site observations it is possible to make informed interpretations as to the shape and size of the monument.
The existing 3D model provides the base for experimenting with different interpretive visualisations.
To the right is an image which illustrates this process. Projecting the form of the monument by filling in the gaps between known existing elements with new digital content.
Applying the analysis of the data with on-site observations it is possible to make informed interpretations as to the shape and size of the monument.
The existing 3D model provides the base for experimenting with different interpretive visualisations.
To the right is an image which illustrates this process. Projecting the form of the monument by filling in the gaps between known existing elements with new digital content.
DETAIL
A sub-millimeter point density records very fine details of the rock surface.
Visualising this we can examine the surface and look for ancient tool marks and carvings.
A sub-millimeter point density records very fine details of the rock surface.
Visualising this we can examine the surface and look for ancient tool marks and carvings.
TEXTURED MODEL
The digital survey provides a detailed basis from which to start to construct the interpretive modelling.
The full textured model of the site is the foundation for the regressive modelling required to visualise the monument in the Neolithic.
Understanding the ground surface changes and the amount of material loss from the monument are key in being able to estimate its former scale within the landscape.
The digital survey provides a detailed basis from which to start to construct the interpretive modelling.
The full textured model of the site is the foundation for the regressive modelling required to visualise the monument in the Neolithic.
Understanding the ground surface changes and the amount of material loss from the monument are key in being able to estimate its former scale within the landscape.
IMAGES
The images presented here represent one of several interpretations. They can be seen as a visualisation of our current understanding of the site.
Using digital techniques we can present multiple ideas in one model. The digital representation is a dynamic product capable of being altered as new evidence comes to light.
The process of collecting the necessary data and constructing the model provides a focus for research, provoking agreement and disagreement amongst archaeological practitioners and at the same time highlighting gaps within our knowledge of the past.
The images presented here represent one of several interpretations. They can be seen as a visualisation of our current understanding of the site.
Using digital techniques we can present multiple ideas in one model. The digital representation is a dynamic product capable of being altered as new evidence comes to light.
The process of collecting the necessary data and constructing the model provides a focus for research, provoking agreement and disagreement amongst archaeological practitioners and at the same time highlighting gaps within our knowledge of the past.
Digital visualisation of the front of the chambered burial cairn
Ghosting the shape of the chambered burial cairn over the digital model
Fully textured 3D model of the chambered burial cairn
