Adapting Photogrammetry and 3D Modeling Beyond Archaeological Recordation for Use in Public Education

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The expansion of digital technology has allowed archaeologists to quickly adopt new techniques and digital tools for use in the field. From the early days of analog recording and hand-drawn maps to contemporary tools like photogrammetry and 3D modeling, the rapid evolution of technology has led to greater accuracy and efficiency when collecting and processing data. For this reason, archaeology students today are expected to be familiar with digital technology and to refine their technical skills over the course of their studies. But with greater efficiency in the field also comes the responsibility to disseminate information effectively. Here, I present a case study of photogrammetry for public archaeology at the site of Xunantunich in western Belize. Using a tablet, DSLR camera, and a tripod, digital teaching models of fourteen structures within the site core were created and designed primarily for use by local tour guides. The goal of this project was to open new avenues for public archaeology and better serve the local and Indigenous communities in which archaeologists work. This pilot project serves as evidence that by using digital techniques like 3D modeling and photogrammetry, archaeologists can simultaneously collect data while also preparing accessible learning materials for the public.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 39285.0