Mapping the Tumulus

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.

 

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.

 
Satellite image of Albania showing the location of Lofkënd
 
Lofkënd in the greater landscape
 
Surveyed area of the tumulus and the surrounding area
 
Detail of the surveyed plan of the tumulus and the surrounding area
 
 
Three different ways of rendering the tumulus (all three looking west) from the 3D model prepared by the Experiential Technologies Lab at UCLA
 
View of the tumulus from southeast taken from the 3D model showing the location of the tombs in their stratigraphic relationship to one another. In this image, drawings of the skeletons have been inserted into the surveyed tomb rectangles (these are interchangeable with photographs in the 3D model)