Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Conservation of At-Risk World Heritage

Summary

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is a well-established survey technique in archaeology, architecture, and earth science, which is able to deliver high-fidelity data of surfaces and structures as well as ultra-precise measurements of the morphology of stratigraphic layers. Analyzing and comparing terrestrial laser scanning point clouds captured over time, conservators utilize of an unprecedented amount of quantitative information on the rate of decay of archaeological and built heritage to be used for assessing surface material loss and structural soundness of walls and buildings, underpinning potential causes, and for planning physical interventions. This paper discusses the application of Terrestrial Laser Scanning and semi-automated point cloud data analysis and comparison methods for the conservation of the World Heritage UNESCO site at Çatalhöyük, Turkey. Çatalhöyük is constantly threatened by the fragile composition of its ancient mud brick architecture and the harsh continental climate of its environs, whose salinity is increasing. Specifically, this paper illustrates our preliminary results obtained by comparing surface material loss and volume loss in wall features that were digitally documented in a number of Çatalhöyük East Mound’s buildings in the period 2012-2017.


This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21196