Photogrammetry and laser scanning for archaeological site 3D modeling – some critical issues

This work is part of a thesis for the School of Specialization in Archaeology at the University of Trieste, Italy. The goal of the project is to test and evaluate 3D surveying and modeling methods to document the remaining ancient byzantine city walls of the archaeological site of Aquileia in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. The objectives are threefold: (1) to use 3D data to create maps and sections that provide information useful for archaeological purposes such as the investigation of architectural construction techniques or construction phases, (2) to evaluate and compare photogrammetric and laser scanner data in order to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the two 3D surveying techniques for archaeological applications and needs and (3) draw broader conclusions about the applicability of photogrammetry and laser scanning for documenting and analyzing ancient walls within a particular set of environmental circumstances. The paper presents the employed 3D surveying techniques, the obtained 3D results and some critical comments.