3D Documentation of Archaeological Excavations Using Image-Based Point Cloud

Abstract

Rapid progress in digital technology enables us to create three-dimensional models using digital images. Low
 cost, time efficiency and accurate results of this method put to question if this technique can be an alternative to
 conventional documentation techniques, which generally are 2D orthogonal drawings. Accurate and detailed
 3D models of archaeological features have potential for many other purposes besides geometric documentation.
 This study presents a recent image-based three-dimensional registration technique employed in 2013 at one of
 the ancient city in Turkey, using “Structure from Motion” (SfM) algorithms. A commercial software is applied
 to investigate whether this method can be used as an alternative to other techniques. Mesh model of the some
 section of the excavation section of the site were produced using point clouds were produced from the digital
 photographs. Accuracy assessment of the produced model was realized using the comparison of the directly
 measured coordinates of the ground control points with produced from model. Obtained results presented that
 the accuracy is around 1.3 cm.