Abstract
Abstract. The application of geometric recording data and representation of open-air rock art is intrinsically so heterogeneous that new online web platforms are required for a more efficient analysis to link all the geo-referenced information and facilitate its scientific study. From 2015 to 2018, three geometric documentation campaigns led by the Departamento de Ingeniería Topográfica y Cartografía of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain) were completed in the area of Khatm al Melaha (Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates) along the Gulf of Oman. More than 370 rock art engraved motifs were documented in this area close to the southwest border with the Sultanate of Oman. All those figures were picked in 149 stone blocks with different dimensions and morphologies, distributed along the slope of an isolated 58-meter-high elevation. The aim of this project was to establish a protocol for the recording, analysis, preservation and prevention of this set of open-air rock art engravings with the following actions: developing an aerial and terrestrial recording data documentation, creating and developing a web platform called threeDcloud for visualizing three-dimensional models and web mapping, and integrating a data base by means of different JavaScript open-source libraries.
Highlights
In this paper we propose a primary methodology procedure that allows integrating into web access of data recorded from the archaeological area of Khatm al Melaha (Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates), combining different geomatic techniques at different scales from a broad yet technical perspective
The libraries used for each of the functions of this web platform are the following: - Programming language used: PHP / Javascript / HTML - Database: MySQL - Operating System, OS (Windows, Linux, etc). - Apache server - JavaScript libraries used for the different viewers
We suggest that in combining these geomatics techniques will advance our efforts in preventive control, conservation and interpretation of the open-air rock art
Summary
In this paper we propose a primary methodology procedure that allows integrating into web access of data recorded from the archaeological area of Khatm al Melaha (Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates), combining different geomatic techniques at different scales from a broad yet technical perspective. In order to improve scientific analysis, the documenting process should always consider every aspect of recording as well as preventive control, conservation and interpretation. Along these lines, some open–access, web–based 2D and 3D JavaScript libraries have been created to unify, simplify and analyse their different uses through a web platform called threeDcloud. The engravings were carved on 149 stone blocks of different dimensions and morphologies spread along a 58-meter high
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