Integrative 3D visualization for spatial analysis and interpretation of rock shelters in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Summary

The integration of multimodal and multiscalar 3D imaging and visualization techniques can be used to explore ritual and non-ritual uses of rock shelters by analyzing potentially meaningful relationships between natural and constructed features. Situating rock shelters within the greater context of Maya subsurface ritual practice may in turn help further define the Maya concept of caves. LiDAR and SFM can be integrated with traditional mapping techniques and ArcGIS to rapidly and precisely document the architectural and natural attributes of a cave. The resultant models of multiple scales and resolutions are combined to facilitate seamless and uninterrupted movement between distinct domains of the cave in its entirety and within the context of the surrounding landscape. Whereas the aforementioned techniques permit the visual and quantitative analysis of spatial relationships between features, stereo panoramic photography equips us to view different spaces within a single 3D photorealistic image and enables analysis and interpretation of visual details that point clouds and maps oftentimes fail to convey. When visualized in a 3D immersive environment, integrated digital techniques produce the most accurate and realistic recreations of the physical and experiential space and facilitate collaborative, accessible, and holistic interpretations regarding both ritual and quotidian utilization of caves.

SAA 2015 abstracts made available in tDAR courtesy of the Society for American Archaeology and Center for Digital Antiquity Collaborative Program to improve digital data in archaeology. If you are the author of this presentation you may upload your paper, poster, presentation, or associated data (up to 3 files/30MB) for free. Please visit http://www.tdar.org/SAA2015 for instructions and more information.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Caves, Sinkholes and Chultuns: New Evidence for the Importance of Earth Openings in Ancient Mesoamerica Religion   •
• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage