Three-dimensional modelling of large archaeological sites using images obtained from masts. Application to Qubbet el-Hawa site (Aswan, Egypt)

摘要

Three-dimensional (3D) modelling of archaeological sites has recently undergone a great development due to the implementation of new acquisition devices and techniques and new processing algorithms. One of the most noteworthy of these is the use of unmanned aerial systems for lifting acquisition devices such as digital cameras to model sites based on photogrammetric techniques. Despite the development and wide use of these systems there are some situations where they are not allowed to fly. In this context we propose a method based on masts which elevate the camera in order to perform photogrammetric surveys of large archeological sites. In this study we analysed the photograph acquisition parameters and the surveying procedure in order to balance in-field the efficiency and the complete coverage of photographs in the study zone, taking into account the requirements of the photogrammetric processing technique to be implemented. The proposed method has been applied to a large and complex archaeological site located in Aswan (Egypt). The results obtained (photogrammetric products and the 3D model) have demonstrated the viability of the method in these cases and the possible implementation of these types of studies for documentation, planning, virtual visualization, etc.