Archaeological Field Documentation and Architectonic Analysis - a 3D Approach. Ein Zippori as Study Case

Abstract

A key element in any archaeological excavation is an accurate recording of the excavated material. Since the ar-chaeological process by itself is one of destruction, the need for an accurate documentation becomes even more imperious; when dealing with rescue excavations, where in most cases sites will be completely destroyed or in the best cases covered for posterity, the problem is augmented again. Another challenge is how to obtain an outcome that will serve later on archaeologists to understand their site and prepare an accurate scientific report, and have materials ready for a comprehensive publication. The paper presents the implications, advantages and challenges on using 3D documentation at rescue excavations, as preliminary experimented at the site of Ein Zippori, Israel. These were partially developed during the 3D-COFORM project, aiming at creating affordable 3D technologies and methodologies for the Cultural Heritage sector.