3D Modelling of archaeological sites and artefacts

Spring 2015 saw Vindomora Solutions turning its hand to new ideas on recording practices, namely in this particular case 3D modelling. Our 3D modelling system utilises photogrammetry, where multiple photographs of an item, building or landscape are overlaid and meshed, generating dimensionally accurate 3D models of the item in question. At the moment, we’re restricted to utilising photographs we can take from the ground (or device such as a cherry-picker) apart from when utilising the services of a professional Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operator such as SkyFox Photography.

Photogrammetric 3D modelling is especially useful for Condition Surveys for walls and standing buildings, when a model can be produced for later comparison. It also can be used to produce working photographic elevations for historic building recording. When done correctly, it can also provide a detailed model of a structure meaning that if you need to re-examine the structure for your project, the model can be viewed rather than a further site visit costing time and money.

As we develop the systems, we’ll put examples of our models online for viewing. We have an account on Sketchfab, which allows free viewing and navigation around our uploaded models.