One of the
aims of the project from the outset was not only to record the
tombs within the tumulus in such a way that a three-dimensional
model could be made, but to place the tumulus within the broader
landscape of the region in order to explore its relationship to
other known sites. To this end, a project was initiated in 2005
with the Experiential Technologies Center at UCLA to explore these
possibilities and two members of the Center, Chris Johanson and
Itay Zaharovitz, visited the site in July 2005. The on-site goals
were, in addition to inspecting the site, to record the data collection
techniques, to geo-reference real-time ETC site photographs (using
Bluetooth GPS, a Bluetooth capable data recorder, and a digital
camera), and to collect a series of points in order to register
the site in the local UTM system. The Lofkënd tumulus is in
UTM Zone 34T (Easting: 391927; Northing: 4500348). The post-processing goals were to convert the three-dimensional
CAD information that had been collected by the excavation surveyor,
Max Farrar, over the course of the two seasons into a useable real-time
form, as well as to interpolate and reduce the topographical data,
and to geo-reference the CAD survey data. A prototype of a real-time
application has already been created.
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Using a variety of programs (Rhino 3-D
and MultiGen Creator), it was possible to create a detailed three-dimensional
model of the tumulus. This is a work is progress, both in terms of
formatting and in terms of adding anticipated new tombs from the
2006 season. Digital photographs and drawings of the tombs are incorporated
into the model to provide a three-dimensional version of what can
be seen in two dimensions. We are also exploring ways to merge the
real-time model with the project database, which provides spatial
information for individual tombs and the stratigraphy, with links
to images of graves and objects deposited in tombs.
In addition to creating a fully textured three-dimensional model
of the tumulus and its tombs, the broader aim of the project
is to insert the tumulus in the immediate, high-resolution
surveyed topography.
Once this is done, the aim is to insert the site and surveyed
area in Creator Terrain studio generated 30km x 30km medium
resolution
topography (DEM plus satellite imagery), as well as to insert
and blend high and mid resolution data into a country wide
geometry.
It is hoped that in time it will be possible to use this technology
to incorporate the results of all excavations and surveys in
Albania into a nation-wide model. |