Modeling the Past: Using Structure from Motion (SfM) Photogrammetry to Record the Sugar Works of a Statian Plantation

Summary

This is an abstract from the "NSF REU Site: Exploring Globalization through Archaeology 2019–2020 Session, St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean" session, at the 86th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This study utilizes structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry as a documentation tool to understand the layout and usage of Site SE095, a sugar works, on the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius. The research goals are to create a spatially referenced 3D model of SE095; identify the foundations, extant structures, and features as they relate to sugar and rum production; and compare the site layout to other sugar works from across the Caribbean. AgiSoft Metashape Professional was used to create the model by aligning a photoset of the structural remains. These models are assessed to determine whether there are any identifiable features associated with sugar refining and rum distilling. The building configuration and organization is compared to other plantation and structure layouts from Caribbean plantations with well-documented architectural features. SfM photogrammetry helps improve our recording possibilities because it creates accurate and spatially referenced 3D models.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• NSF REU Site: Exploring Globalization through Archaeology 2019–2020 Session, St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean   •
• Society for American Archaeology 86th Annual Meeting, Online (2021)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 30928