Koistinen, Katri 
  
3D DOCUMENTATION FOR ARCHAEOLOGY DURING FINNISH JABAL HAROUN PROJECT 
Katri KOISTINEN 
Helsinki University of Technology, Finland 
Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing 
katri.koistinen@hut.fi 
Working Group V/5 
KEY WORDS: documentation, modelling, CAD, spatial databases, archaeology. 
ABSTRACT 
The Finnish Jabal Haroun Project (FJHP) is an archaeological project focused on Jabal Haroun (Mt. Aaron) in Petra, 
Jordan. The Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing is creating and further developing 3-D model and 
database, which will be fully implemented once the project's fieldwork is completed. At the same time, various 
especially photogrammetric documentation methods are developed for the archaeological purposes of the project. 
Examples from the documentation of planar objects, creation of panoramic images and monoscopic approach to refine 
the existing DTM are presented here. 
3-D database combines various data sources like 3-D tachymeter measurements, photogrammetry using digital camera 
and video imagery as well as sketches, drawings and notes done by archaeologists. Aerial photographs and GPS have 
been used to create the basic geographical reference for the project. In addition to the model itself, the available image 
data will be stored into the database, and the modelling can be later refined based on demand of various users or later 
needs. 
Due to the usually non-repeatable nature of an archaeological excavation work reliable documentation methods are 
essential. Photogrammetry supported with other 3-D documentation methods enables ‘the modelling on the demand” 
concept. 
1 INTRODUCTION 
1.1 The Finnish Jabal Haroun Project 
The Finnish Jabal Haroun Project is an archaeological project focused 
on Jabal Haroun (Mt. Aaron) in Petra, Jordan. The FJHP is interested 
in the extensive ruins of an architectural complex (ca. 3,000 m?) 
located some 70 m below the top of Jabal Haroun on a wide plateau. 
The project is designed to uncover, preserve and publish 
archaeological remains located on the mountain. In addition, an 
intensive archaeological survey is conducted in the areas around the 
mountain. The project aims at a full understanding of the ruins of the 
monastic complex, the topography of the mountain, the history of 
human settlement on the mountain and in its immediate surroundin gs 
as well as the relations to the city of Petra. To support these goals, 
modern measuring and modelling methods as well as the creation of 
3-D database have been part of the project from the very beginning of 
  
it. Figure 1. Mt. Aaron and part of the 
archaeological survey area in front of it 
FJHP is led by professor Jaakko Frósén from Helsinki University. He (seen from SW) 
has collected a multidisciplinary project team. Project’s chief 
archaeologist is Ph.D Zbigniew T. Fiema who has a lon g experience from archaeological work in Petra. Archaeological 
team consists mainly from graduate and post-graduate students of Helsinki University. Professor Henrik Haggrén’s 
research group from Helsinki University of Technology (HUT) provides its technical knowledge to the project. In 
addition, to the project staff belongs architects, conservators and several visiting foreign specialists (for example, in 
ceramic and glass). During two-month excavation season the staff is approximately 30 people plus local workmen. The 
project started with archaeological reconnaissance in October 1997 and it is planned to be at least a five years project. 
The third excavation season is planned to take place in August-September 2000. 
  
440 International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B5. Amsterdam 2000.