THE CUMULATIVE 3D DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT 
DURING AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT 
Katri Koistinen, Jaakko Latikka, Petteri Pontinen 
Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing 
Helsinki University of Technology 
P.O.Box 1200, FIN-02015 HUT (Espoo), FINLAND 
E-mail: katri.koistinen@hut.fi, jlatikka@cc.hut.fi, petteri.pontinen@hut.fi 
KEY WORDS: 3D Documentation, Archaeology, Photogrammetric Methods, Data Management 
ABSTRACT 
During an archaeological project various data sources and various levels of accuracy and geometric details will be needed in 3D 
modelling. The subject has been discussed based on the experiences gathered during the Finnish Jabal Haroun Project (FJHP) in 
Petra, Jordan. Especially the data collection processes - aerial photogrammetry, tachymeter measurements, and terrestrial 
photogrammetry - are considered. The data management of 3D data and image data are presented. 
1. INTRODUCTION 
The Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing at Helsinki University of Technology (HUT) has been taking part into Finnish 
Jabal Haroun Project, in Petra, Jordan since its beginning in 1997. The project takes care of the archaeological excavations, 
conservation work and publication of the results at the Monastic complex of St. Aaron and its close environment. The essential part 
of the project is the archaeological survey conducted in the near environs of the mountain. The project is led by Professor Jaakko 
Frôsén from Helsinki University. 
The photogrammetric research team from HUT led by Professor Henrik Haggrén has two basic roles in the project. It takes care of all 
cartographic documentation work and 3D-modelling during the excavation seasons together with the project's archaeologists and 
architects. The documentation methods used during field seasons are mainly tachymeter measurements and collection of digital 
imagery. Beside this practical task the research team is intensively developing new 3-D documentation techniques for the 
archaeological purposes. The imagery gained during the excavation seasons has been utilised for this. 
2. PHASES OF AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT: 
VARIOUS SCALES - VARIOUS NEEDS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONALITY 
An archaeological project can consist of several phases starting from an archaeological reconnaissance or an archaeological survey 
utilising usually small-scale to middle-scale maps and models. Archaeological excavation work can be seen already as a large-scale 
project. When considering modelling of finds or artefacts, or documentation for the conservation work, we start to approach one-to- 
one models or even enlargements of the reality. The need for managing changing level of details sets special demands on the 3D data 
management of an archaeological project. 
Beside the scale also the meaning and need of three-dimensionality varies depending on the scale and purpose of maps and models in 
archaeology. For small-scale index maps or similar even 2D might be enough. Height information can be very useful in 
archaeological survey, because the height level might be a significant factor for locating specific sites. The 3D surface fulfils this 
purpose. It can also be used to produce other presentations, like contour map etc, if needed. 
Archaeological excavation work is definitely demanding for the 3D data management. Both 3D GIS as well as 3D CAD modelling 
features are needed when using stratigraphic excavation technique. The level of detail in 3D models is especially interesting question. 
It is different to make a 3D model of a modern straightedge houses than, for example, Byzantine partly ruined walls where straight 
walls are usually an exception. The management of different free-form stratigraphic layers is also one question to be answered. 
3D can also be fully utilised when modelling artefacts. Again the level of detail should be selected accordingly to modelling purpose. 
However, the artefacts can often be modelled using all the possibilities of 3D CAD modelling. If needed, 2D projections can be 
created when needed. 
Further question is to consider, if the maps and models are representing the archaeological data as it is found during the 
archaeological work, or if they are hypothetical reconstructions based on documented remains. 
3. EXAMPLE OF DATA ACCUMULATION AND VARIOUS MEANS OF IT 
Archaeological projects last often several years and several excavation seasons. This sets special demands on the data management 
during such a project. The Finnish Jabal Haroun Project (FJHP) is an example of a long-term archaeological project. 
Proceedings 18 th International Symposium CIPA 2001 
Potsdam (Germany), September 18 - 21, 2001