Low-cost 3D scanning systems for cultural heritage documentation
Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
ISSN: 2044-1266
Article publication date: 27 May 2020
Issue publication date: 16 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Digital documentation techniques of tunneling excavations at archaeological sites are becoming more common. These methods, such as photogrammetry and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), are able to create precise three-dimensional models of excavations to complement traditional forms of documentation with millimeter to centimeter accuracy. However, these techniques require either expensive pieces of equipment or a long processing time that can be prohibitive during short field seasons in remote areas. This article aims to determine the effectiveness of various low-cost sensors and real-time algorithms to create digital scans of archaeological excavations.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a class of algorithms called SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) along with depth-sensing cameras. While these algorithms have largely improved over recent years, the accuracy of the results still depends on the scanning conditions. The authors developed a prototype of a scanning device and collected 3D data at a Maya archaeological site and refined the instrument in a system of natural caves. This article presents an analysis of the resulting 3D models to determine the effectiveness of the various sensors and algorithms employed.
Findings
While not as accurate as commercial LiDAR systems, the prototype presented, employing a time-of-flight depth sensor and using a feature-based SLAM algorithm, is a rapid and effective way to document archaeological contexts at a fraction of the cost.
Practical implications
The proposed system is easy to deploy, provides real-time results and would be particularly useful in salvage operations as well as in high-risk areas where cultural heritage is threatened.
Originality/value
This article compares many different low-cost scanning solutions for underground excavations, along with presenting a prototype that can be easily replicated for documentation purposes.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the following persons for their help and contribution to this work: Kenny Criddle, Connie Du, Andres Gomez, Proud Heng, Nathan Hui, Tim Jiang, Waseem Khan, Etsu Nakahara, Giovanni Vindiola, Danbing Zhu. This work was funded in part by the REU Site Engineers for Exploration, supported by the NSF under Grant No. 1852403. Additional support was provided by the UCSD ECE and CSE departments and the UCSD Qualcomm Institute. The Guatemala portion of this research was conducted under permits from Instituto de Antropología e Historia (IDAEH) and the Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes. The Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas of the Universidad de San Carlos provide access to the field camp. Tunnel excavations in El Zotz Structure M7-1 as well as field infrastructure for the present study were supported by grants to Garrison from the Fundación Pacunam from 2012 to 2019. Conservation of stucco masks in M7-1 was funded by a National Geographic Society Conservation Trust Grant (C233-13) and the Fundación Pacunam. Garrison thanks Rony Piedrasanta (2015-present) and Lic. Jose Luis Garrido (2012) for field assistance with the M7-1 dig, and Dr. Edwin Román (2012-2015) and Licda. Yeny Gutiérrez (2016-present) for logistical support as project co-directors.
Citation
Gautier, Q.K., Garrison, T.G., Rushton, F., Bouck, N., Lo, E., Tueller, P., Schurgers, C. and Kastner, R. (2020), "Low-cost 3D scanning systems for cultural heritage documentation", Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 437-455. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-03-2020-0032
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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