Archaeological Documentation

Documentation is the most important and time consuming activity on an archaeological excavation. It has to be as detailed and accurate as possible because post-excavation work on the evidence is often not possible once the excavation is over as features are often destroyed during investigation.

Archaeologists are often pressed for time, especially on excavations which are connected to building projects and lengthy documentation processes can be of considerable expense to the customer.

Therefore, ArcTron employs state-of-the-art techniques to improve the speed, efficiency and precision of the documentation process. ArcTron methods accelerate on-site documentation by up to 30% compared to other conventional techniques.

Equipment utilised and documentation techniques:

• Surveying
  • Excavation surveying using total stations and the generation of plans. Excavation plans are usually ready for use the day after surveying, including an overall plan. These plans can then be used to monitor the progress of the investigation whilst still on site.
  • Topographical surveying using total stations and/or 3D laser scanners linked to digital topographical maps or cadastral maps. The survey data can be converted into contour line plans or digital terrain models (DGM), depending on your requirements.
  • Rapid and accurate three dimensional recording techniques using the laser pantograph ALPHA which was especially developed for this purpose by ArcTron.
     
• Photogrammetry using digital cameras and/or grid photography for accurate and efficient documentation of plana and sections.
   
• Digital finds drawings using laser profilographs and digital cameras.

The retrieved data is fed into ArcTron's archaeological software system, ArchaeoCAD / ArchaeoDATA (and other modules) and processed.

Once the excavation has been completed, the accompanying documentation is available in electronic form. The data is saved in standard formats and can then be prepared for many diverse purposes. This greatly simplifies the creation of publication templates for journals, posters, exhibitions etc. and the production of multimedia CD-ROM presentations including virtual reconstructions and 3D animations.

References