Koistinen, Katri 
  
The archaeological work during excavation and survey work produces descriptive and attribute data relating to the 
geometric model. Geometric data is stored into MicroStation SE files. x 
The tachymeter data is imported to the model using Terrasolid Ltd's 
TerraSurvey and TerraModeler programs. All collected coordinate 
information is feature coded. The archaeological descriptive data is 
currently stored into Access-database created for the project. This 
data will be connected to the geometrical data. After this various kind 
of queries can be made based on various criteria. 
To enable the effective use of available imagery, the geo-referencing 
of images should be included into database. The orientation 
information — even approximated one — is saved. Approximated 
orientation serves image management. Based on it various kinds of 
searches for the suitable imagery can be done. When image is 
selected for processing, for example, to be used for refinement of 
existing DTM or measuring of details, its orientation has to be 
considered again. If needed, the orientation is updated. 
    
Figure 9. Visualization 
Availability of an exact geometric 3-D-model establishes effective visualizations, reconstructions and analyzes of an 
archaeological site. The data can also be used for education. The visualizations like VRML-models, for example, can be 
used to get the archaeological site introduced to the publicity. 
  
   
Figures 10-12. 3-D-data recorded with tachymeter; Rendered 3-D-model; 
Image to be utilized to add details to the 3-D-model 
4 DURING EXCAVATION SEASON 
The team has worked on-site already during two full-scale excavation seasons. These periods have provided a good 
understanding about the conditions on site as well as about the utilization of various methods developed so far. The 
conditions on-site are demanding both for the humans and the equipment. During the excavation season, the team lives 
in a Bedouin tent beside the excavation area. Sun, wind, and sand have to be taken into account when utilizing modern 
electronic equipment in the field conditions. The electricity is produced by the solar panels. The connections to the 
outside world are provided using GSM-phones and laptop computers. The functioning of modern technology is 
depending on small details. For example, dust-protection is provided using small plastic bags for the diskettes. 
Beside the development of new photogrammetric methods to be used in archaeology, the HUT's team has taken care of 
the most measurement work on site. At the same time we are trying to find out the best combination of geodetic and 
photogrammetric methods. As already mentioned, the archaeological excavation work is usually unrepeatable. This sets 
special demands for the documentation and recording methods that have to be able to cover all the meaningful details at 
once. The recording methods have to be reliable and sometimes even redundant. Archaeology has strong traditions 
relating to the documentation methods and techniques during excavation work. In addition to the archaeological 
photographs taken according to the archaeological tradition, we are taking images (especially digital) to serve the 
geometrical modelling purposes. As soon as the new documentation methods show their robustness, it is possible to 
consider the rationalization of documentation processes. 
  
444 International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B5. Amsterdam 2000.