Photogrammetry as a Tool for Chronological Dating of Fired Bricks Structures in Genoa Area

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The aim of this paper is to explore the applications of photogrammetry in the field of archaeology of architecture. Specifically, to test possible advantages in adopting this tool for undertaking brick measurements for chronological dating of fired bricks historic structures. Mensiochronology analysis is a direct and non-destructive method providing an absolute dating of stratigraphic units. It is based on direct inspection and survey of bricks. Depending on the accessibility of the surface being studied, mensiochronology is suitable for vertical structures of limited height or relies on the availability of scaffolding and lifting equipment. There are several advantages in applying photogrammetry to brick measurement, among them: the possibility to undertake measurements of every kind of surface; the reduction of on-site survey time; the opportunity to repeat measurements off-site; the possibility to increase the number of measured elements in subsequent phases and by different operators. To explore the application of photogrammetry for mensiochronology three case studies are analyzed, testing the effectiveness of this tool on buildings displaying diverse features (e.g. handmade and industrial bricks) and dating back to different periods.

The Mensiochronology Analysis Supported by New Advanced Survey Techniques: Field Tests in Milanese Area

“…In Acacia et al (2017) is discussed the feasibility of using photogrammetric techniques to undertake measurements of bricks for chronological dating. One of the main advantages of photogrammetry is the decrease of time requested for the on-site survey.…”

“…As observed in various researches on the main buildings characterizing Vimercate town centre and their owners, patrons and engineers came from Milan as well, so it is not surprising that building practices tended to follow the trends of the capital of the Duchy. Acacia et al (2017) proved the feasibility of using photogrammetric techniques to undertake measurements of bricks for chronological dating. One of the main advantages of photogrammetry is the decrease of time requested for the on-site survey.…”

Ultra close-range digital photogrammetry in skeletal anthropology: A systematic review

“…UCR-DP is emerging as a robust technique for 3D model generation and represents a convenient and low-cost solution for rapid data acquisition [11,12]. In fact, some methodological studies reported the best practices [6,13,14], and UCR-DP has already been widely applied in fields closely related to the anthropological research, such as archaeology and cultural heritage-for the surveying, interpretation and virtual reconstruction of excavation sites, caves, buildings, monuments [9,12,15,16], documenting statues, bas-relief and mosaics [17,18], building 3D repositories of museum collections [19]-and palaeontology, particularly for site interpretation and track site documentation [13,20,21], other than for digitising bones from mounted skeletons [22]. A number of applications have also been developed in anthropology for documenting rock art [23][24][25][26][27], artefacts [28,29], cut and percussion marks due to human activity [30][31][32][33][34], and hominin footprints [35].…”