Taskgroup Analysis and Visualization

Last Group Standing...

What do we mean?

There are a variety of methods available to archaeologists to produce visualisations of archaeological data for analysis depending on the investigator's research question, outcomes and audience. These methods fall under three broad groups that include Data Capture, Data Processing and Data Output. Each of these groups summarise definitions and examples of such methods.

The Theory of Visualisation and Perception

Importance of Contrast, rendering, natural light, phenomenology of the landscape etc.

Data Capture

Devices used

Photogrammetry

Photogrammetery is the science of making measurements from photographs and can be used in archaeology to produce drawings, 3D models and measurements. Some methods of capturing photos for photogrammetery include the use of a camera that is either handheld, tripod or pole-mounted, not to mention flown on a drone or kite device.

Archival Data

The use of already published data can be reevaluated in different mediums to offer new insights. One example of this is the use of hand-drawn line and section drawings to make 3D models of archaeological excavations. This is done though a combination of illustration, CAD, and GIS software. An example of a 3D model made forom section drawings with a description of methods is given in:

Emmitt, J.J., Sefton, B., Phillipps, R.S., Wendrich, W., and Holdaway, S.J. Reimag(in)ing the Past: Adding the third dimension to archaeological section drawings. Advances in Archaeological Practice 5(1): 44-53. DOI: 10.1017/aap.2016.5[1]

Differential GPS (DGPS)

Getting your points for your photogrammetery.

Device Methods

Planning and Budgeting

It is important to know what the outcome of your data capturing entails, such as when 3D scanning, thinking ahead about the reference points that you will refer to in later stages of the data capturing process. There are also certain timeframes that your data capturing must be within in order to keep files sizes to a minimum level when distributing the data later in the process.

Permissions

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (For Drones)

CASA

Data Processing

This is the stage that is the

Hardware

The computing hardware required to process and edit data for visualisation purposes usually involves expensive equipment that consists of large storage capacity and high Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) usage. Advice should be taken from software vendors or engineers when planning and budgeting the potential equipment for your Data capturing project.

Storage

Terrabyte Storage is essential when storing data for visualisation purposes.

Data Output

Formats/File Extensions

.obj files

.obj files are the universal file format for editing, cleaning and delivering 3D models across a wide variety of 3D software platforms.

.e57 files

Used with Cloudcompare software

Field Ready Visualisation

Technological applications to help record new archaeological sites, features and artefacts e.g. FAIMS App

Web Based Delivery

URL links

Data Visualisation

Using visual formats to communicate data and ideas more clearly and effectively. This includes specific software, but also web based services.

Best Practice examples

Pedestal Learning and Teaching Web Service, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia