Mass modeling of small-sized archaeological objects: the case of Roman-period fishing gear

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Abstract

The article considers the problems of documenting small-sized finds using the case of a large series of fishing gear items found during underwater excavations of a Roman-period pier in Phanagoria. The proposed methodology («revolver documentation method») includes automated 3D modeling of frequent archaeological finds using a photogrammetric method and algorithmization of procedures for processing the collected data. The methodology ensures high detail and accuracy of modeling, which allows using models for automated collection of morphometric data, constructing precise drawings and creating raster renders, which together give a complete idea of the geometry of the objects under study. The models and the results of their visualization are adapted for web-presentation, which gives researchers the opportunity to study objects remotely.

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About the authors

S. V. Olkhovsky

Centre for Underwater Archaeological Heritage at the Institute of Archaeology of the RAS

Author for correspondence.
Email: uwiaran@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow

Yu. M. Svoysky

Higher School of Economics; RSSDA Laboratory

Email: rutil28@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

Ekaterina V. Romanenko

RSSDA Laboratory

Email: eromanenko@yandex.ru
Russian Federation, Moscow

A. P. Girich

Centre for Underwater Archaeological Heritage at the Institute of Archaeology of the RAS; Higher School of Economics; RSSDA Laboratory

Email: girichap20@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow; Moscow

E. R. Biryukova

Centre for Underwater Archaeological Heritage at the Institute of Archaeology of the RAS; RSSDA Laboratory; Moscow Architectural Institute

Email: 906kater@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow; Moscow

References

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Supplementary files

Supplementary Files
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2. Fig. 1. An example of fishing equipment reproduction based on digital photography and archaeological drawings: 1–14 – fishing hooks; 15–17 – needles for repairing nets, 18 – shuttle, 19, 20 – sinkers (baked clay), 21 – tip of a trident. After Romero, Vicente, 2015.

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3. Fig. 2. «Ceramic tree». After Göttlich et al., 2021.

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4. Fig. 3. An installation for photogrammetric documentation of small objects by revolver method.

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5. Fig. 4. A coordinate grid with numbered cells and targets recognized by computer vision algorithms.

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6. Fig. 5. Dome-shaped camera array.

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7. Fig. 6. Drawings based on sections and raster renders with and without texture for 3D polygonal models: 1 – ceramic sinker № 07F-0512; 2 – stone sinker № 11F-0565; 3 – lead sinker № FM-KP 8/125.

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8. Fig. 7. Drawings based on sections, raster renders with and without texture, Multi-Scale Integral Invariant renders for 3D polygonal models (Parula color scheme): 1 – lead sinker № FM-KP 8/74; 2 – lead sinker № FM-KP 8/205.

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