Abstract
Abstract. This paper describes the methodology employed to obtain 3D models of three funerary complexes (QH31, QH32 and QH33) of the Necropolis of Qubbet el Hawa (Aswan, Egypt) and the main results obtained. These rock-cut tombs are adjacent structures defined by complex geometries such as chambers, corridors and vertical shafts. The main goal of this study was to discover the spatial relationships between them and obtain a complete 3D model. In addition, some models with realistic textures of the burial chambers were demanded in order to analyse archaeological, architectural and geological aspects. The methodology was based on the use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Close Range Photogrammetry. In general, both techniques were developed in parallel for each tomb. Some elements presented difficulties because of their reduced dimensions, the presence of vertical falls, some objects stored in the tombs that generated occlusions of some walls, coincidence of other workers, poor illumination conditions, etc. The results included three complete 3D models obtained without texture and some parts of interest obtained with real textures. All models were merged into a global 3D model. The information extracted from this product has helped architects and archaeologists to contrast their premises about the spatial behaviour of the tombs. The results have also allowed the obtaining of the first 3D documentation of these tombs under the same reference system, allowing them to be studied completely. This information is very important for documentation purposes but also to understand the spatial behaviour of these structures and the excavation processes developed by ancient Egyptians 4000 years ago.
Highlights
The 3D documentation of heritage has undergone a great development during the last decades mainly based on the use of new sensors and platforms and new processing applications
The three models were merged into a global 3D model including all tombs (Figure 7) where the spatial behaviour between them is clearly shown
All of this documentation falls under the same reference system, allowing them to be studied in their entirety, along with the rest of the elements of the Necropolis. This information is very important for documentation purposes and to understand the spatial behaviour of these structures and the excavation processes developed by ancient Egyptians 4000 years ago
Summary
The 3D documentation of heritage has undergone a great development during the last decades mainly based on the use of new sensors and platforms and new processing applications. In addition to the development of these methods, we must consider the great evolution of computing capacities and algorithms In this sense, we highlight the development and democratization (Westoby et al, 2012) of several applications based on algorithms that have allowed access to photogrammetry to other professionals not specialized in classical photogrammetry. We highlight the development and democratization (Westoby et al, 2012) of several applications based on algorithms that have allowed access to photogrammetry to other professionals not specialized in classical photogrammetry Algorithms such as Structure from Motion (SfM) (Ullman, 1979; Koenderink, Van Doorn, 1991; Lowe, 2004; Szeliski, 2011) and the dense MultiView Stereo supposed an important challenge when using these techniques, despite their current level of development. Some models with realistic textures of the burial chambers were needed in order to analyse archaeological, architectural and geological aspects
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