Taskgroup Analysis and Visualization
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
Total Stations
Laser Scanners
Light Capturing Devices
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.
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
Cultural Permissions
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (For Drones)
Data Processing
This is the stage that is the
Software
Geomagic
Agisoft PhotoScan
Mudbox
Meshlab
Artec Studio
CloudCompare
GPR Slice
ArcScene
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
Illustrator
PhotoShop
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.
Formats
3D Data
.obj files are the universal file format for editing, cleaning and delivering 3D models across a wide variety of 3D software platforms.
Data Output
Field Ready Visualisation
Technological applications to help record new archaeological sites, features and artefacts e.g. FAIMS App
For a Presentation Publication Audience Mainstream/Non-specialist Audience/Contractor/Employer Academic Learning and Teaching Learning Outcomes
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