Surveying Ancient Maya Buildings in the Forest

Vidal-Lorenzo, Cristina; Cosme, G.; Merlo, Alessandro

doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-0675-1.ch009

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Most significantly for Maya archaeology, TLS is capable of recording building substructures uncovered through tunnel excavations and capturing with millimeter-level accuracy archaeological features retrieved in caves, buildings, and plazas (e.g., stucco masks and friezes, hieroglyphic panels, and stelae; Galeazzi 2016; Golden et al 2020;Merlo et al 2012Merlo et al , 2017Tokovinine and Estrada-Belli 2017). Besides allowing building monitoring overtime (Kovác ˇet al 2015;Vidal Lorenzo et al 2017), 3D data provide the basis for the virtual reconstruction or reassembling of monuments in GIS and virtual reality (Remondino et al 2009;Richards-Rissetto et al 2013).…”

Section: Background On the Application Of 3d Documentation Methods In...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Most significantly for this study, LiDAR and SfM data can be successfully combined in the same analytical environment to contextualize ancient buildings and relate them to their immediate surroundings (Holata et al 2018;Lambers et al 2007;Nex and Rinaudo 2011;Smith et al 2014). This data fusion technique also enables a new way to investigate ancient structures from different perspectives, generate drawings extrapolated from the 3D models, and spatially relate archaeological findings (Houston et al 2015;Vidal Lorenzo et al 2017).…”

Section: Background On the Application Of 3d Documentation Methods In...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Mausoleum Architectural Project: Reinterpreting Palenque's Temple of the Inscriptions Through 3d Data-Driven Architectural Analysis

2021

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The Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque, Mexico, is an outstanding example of Classic Maya architecture erected in the seventh century as the funerary building for ruler K'inich Janab Pakal. For decades, scholars have speculated on its construction sequence and the potential existence of hidden rooms on either side of Pakal's mortuary chamber. This article aims to advance understanding of the Temple's architectural context in light of new 3D data. After reviewing the application of drone-based photogrammetry and terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging in the Maya area, we argue that these techniques are capable of enhancing the architectural analysis of the Temple of the Inscriptions and showing that this structure was part of a larger architectural project, encompassing the adjacent Temple XIII, and the connecting stepped building platform. Our findings demonstrate that the basal platforms for the Temple of the Inscriptions and Temple XIII were erected contemporaneously and that the design of their mortuary chambers follows a tripartite layout we identified in Palenque's elite funerary architecture and associated mortuary practices. We conclude that these three buildings were part of a mausoleum architectural project, the construction of which was initiated by Pakal to reshape Palenque's site-core and enshrine the ruling family's power and ancestors.

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Section: Background On the Application Of 3d Documentation Methods In...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Background On the Application Of 3d Documentation Methods In...mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Mausoleum Architectural Project: Reinterpreting Palenque's Temple of the Inscriptions Through 3d Data-Driven Architectural Analysis

2021

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“…The data collection was performed gradually in different field seasons, due to the difficult operating conditions of the site and according to the needs of the research project (Merlo et al, 2017). In total, three digital survey campaigns were conducted between 2012 and 2015 (Vidal, et al, 2017):…”

Section: Digital Survey Of the Acropolismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nowadays, the use of these digital tools has been introduced in a considerable number of archaeological projects in the Maya area (Remondino et al, 2009;Tokovinine, Estrada-Belli, 2017). La Blanca Project has always been a pioneer in experimenting the application of these techniques to Maya archaeology and architecture (Vidal et al, 2017). In this paper, we report the results of using reverse modelling techniques to obtain a 3D printed replica of the Acropolis, testing its application to Maya architecture.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

3d Printing for Dissemination of Maya Architectural Heritage: The Acropolis of La Blanca (Guatemala)

Montuori¹,

Sansalvador²,

Rosado-Torres³

2020

Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci.

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Abstract. This paper focuses on the use of 3D printing as a tool for the dissemination of Maya architectural heritage. The case study is the Acropolis of La Blanca, the main complex of this archaeological site located in the Peten department, Guatemala. One of the objectives of La Blanca Project was to create a model of the Acropolis as part of the strategy for dissemination and as a didactical resource for the Visitor Center. The documentation of this architectural complex with digital survey techniques allowed to obtain a high-fidelity model of the Acropolis’ buildings. In order to achieve this goal, it was necessary to develop a methodology for the reverse modelling of the Acropolis, starting from the data obtained by laser scanning. We developed a workflow to create a virtual replica of the Acropolis optimized for 3D printing. This model was first printed in 17 parts by using the FDM technology. Then, it was transported to Guatemala and, finally, it was reassembled and placed at the Visitor Center. Today, this physical replica of the Acropolis is an important resource that allows the visitors to have a complete view of the main complex of the site, which is not easy in the Guatemalan jungle. It also provides an exclusive view of some parts of the Acropolis, already studied by researchers and now protected with a soil layer to ensure their preservation. Moreover, it is a useful resource for supporting dissemination and also serves as a teaching resource for student visitors.

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Constructive Analysis of Maya Vaulted Architecture From Photogrammetric Survey

Sansalvador

Montuori

Rosado-Torres

2020

Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci.

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Abstract. Studying Maya architecture from a constructive perspective reveals new insights into the ancient building techniques and processes. Gaining deep knowledge of these structures is key to assessing the current conservation state of the buildings and to designing strategies for the excavation and preservation of this heritage. In order to study the Maya vault system, considering its regional variants and technical development over time, we performed field data collections at 48 Maya Lowlands archaeological sites with the aim of documenting and comparing constructive techniques from different areas and chronological periods. Surveying some of these buildings with digital photogrammetry made it possible to obtain geometrically accurate models with a high-quality texture that were used to measure, analyze and compare the features of the vaults in detail. The main advantage of this survey methodology is that it permits to achieve a high amount of information with affordable instruments. From the models obtained, a thorough analysis of stonemasonry techniques, stereotomy solutions and building processes was carried out, considering their implications for the stability and conservation of the structures. This paper presents the survey methodology used and an example of the constructive analysis of a vaulted building from a photogrammetric model.

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Surveying Ancient Maya Buildings in the Forest

Cited by 3 publications

References 11 publications

The Mausoleum Architectural Project: Reinterpreting Palenque's Temple of the Inscriptions Through 3d Data-Driven Architectural Analysis

The Mausoleum Architectural Project: Reinterpreting Palenque's Temple of the Inscriptions Through 3d Data-Driven Architectural Analysis

3d Printing for Dissemination of Maya Architectural Heritage: The Acropolis of La Blanca (Guatemala)

Constructive Analysis of Maya Vaulted Architecture From Photogrammetric Survey

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