Surveying Medieval Archaeology: A New Form for Harris Paradigm Linking Photogrammetry and Temporal Relations

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The paper presents some reflexions concerning an interdisciplinary project between Medieval Archaeologists from the University of Florence (Italy) and ICT researchers from CNRS LSIS of Marseille (France), aiming towards a connection between 3D spatial representation and archaeological knowledge. It is well known that Laser Scanner, Photogrammetry and Computer Vision are very attractive tools for archaeologists, although the integration of representation of space and representation of archaeological time has not yet found a methodological standard of reference. We try to develop an integrated system for archaeological 3D survey and all other types of archaeological data and knowledge through integrating observable (material) and non-graphic (interpretive) data. Survey plays a central role, since it is both a metric representation of the archaeological site and, to a wider extent, an interpretation of it (being also a common basis for communication between the 2 teams). More specifically 3D survey is crucial, allowing archaeologists to connect actual spatial assets to the stratigraphic formation processes (i.e. to the archaeological time) and to translate spatial observations into historical interpretation of the site. We propose a common formalism for describing photogrammetrical survey and archaeological knowledge stemming from ontologies: Indeed, ontologies are fully used to model and store 3D data and archaeological knowledge. Xe equip this formalism with a qualitative representation of time. Stratigraphic analyses (both of excavated deposits and of upstanding structures) are closely related to E. C. Harris theory of "Stratigraphic Unit" ("US" from now on). Every US is connected to the others by geometric, topological and, eventually, temporal links, and are recorded by the 3D photogrammetric survey. However, the limitations of the Harris Matrix approach lead to use another representation formalism for stratigraphic relationships, namely Qualitative Constraints Networks (QCN) successfully used in the domain of knowledge representation and reasoning in artificial intelligence for representing temporal relations.

Ontology-Based Photogrammetry Survey for Medieval Archaeology: Toward a 3D Geographic Information System (GIS)

“…In the framework of this collaboration, archaeologists have learned to create 3D models using photogrammetry since 2001 when this method was not yet very widespread [2,74].…”

“…Now, our group is starting to work on the field of ontologies, especially to manage the US and to add knowledge to the survey [74]. Even if there are some theoretical works on the ontologies, until now, not many archaeologists have studied and tested ontologies to manage heterogeneous data.…”

Absolute Chronology at the Waterlogged Site of La Draga (Lake Banyoles, Ne Iberia): Bayesian Chronological Models Integrating Tree-Ring Measurement, Radiocarbon Dates and Micro-Stratigraphical Data

“…According to both models, the last evidence of Neolithic occupation was not later than 4780 cal BC. Using the above stratigraphical ordering and radiocarbon estimates for the duration of depositional events, a general temporal sequence was defined based on Allen algebra estimated temporal relationships (Allen 1983;Zoghlami et al 2012;Dye and Buck 2015;Belussi and Migliorini 2017;Drap et al 2017; Barcel ó and Andreaki 2020) (Figure 13). The period of transition between the first and second occupation remains in the temporal interval from 5200 to 5100 cal BC, although there is a clear overlapping with depositional events from the second occupation (Depositional Events 29 and 21).…”

Assembling a site of acquisition: knowledge production and drone survey at Dunbeg Fort

“…In making digital visualisation-and 3D modelling in particularso central to its cause, the Cherish Project is emblematic of the "digital turn" being sustained within archaeology more generally. Whether it is in the construction of immersive spaces for collaborative research or public facing historical reconstruction, archaeologists-particularly in Europe-have embraced advancements in photogrammetry, laser scanning, and VR/AR with palpable enthusiasm (BENDICHO, 2013;FORTE, 2014;2012;FORTE;PIETRONI, 2009;FORTE;KURILLOU, 2012;MORGAN, 2009;CORNS et al, 2017;KENNEDY, 2015;SHAW, 2009;DRAP et al, 2017). The discipline, however, is turning towards the digital with a concerning lack of critical reflexivity, particularly in its relationship to the digital visual media that it finds itself now (HODDER, 1982;HODDER, 1997;HAMILAKIS, 2017;HAMILAKIS;JONES, 2017;FOWLER, 2013;FOWLER;HARRIS, 2015;LUCAS, 2012).…”