The Development And Application Of A Simple Methodology For Recording Rock Art Using Consumer‐Grade Digital Cameras

Abstract

A simple methodology for recording rock art has been recently developed in Australia and tested on Aboriginal rock art, including both petroglyphs and pictographs (engraved and painted images, respectively). The approach was based on commercial photogrammetric software and consumer‐grade digital cameras, because it was believed that archaeologists, conservators and site managers need simple and cost‐effective methods to record and document rock art. This methodology has been adopted subsequently by the Northumberland and Durham Rock Art Project working in conjunction with English Heritage, to assist in recording 1500 prehistoric engraved panels located across the north‐east of England. Significantly, the fieldwork was carried out by enthusiastic volunteers, willing to sacrifice their weekends to capture imagery suitable for digital photogrammetry. This paper explains briefly how the recording technique was developed in Australia before indicating how expertise and equipment were integrated to allow UK‐based volunteers to carry out data acquisition and, perhaps surprisingly, also the photogrammetry. This will demonstrate the value of mobilising the voluntary sector for heritage recording, which is feasible only if recording methodologies are based on cheap and simple instrumentation.

The potential of 3D gully monitoring with GIS using high-resolution aerial photography and a digital photogrammetry system

“…Cardenal et al, 2004;Bitelli et al, 2006;Chikatsu and Ohdake, 2006;Chandler et al, 2007). Far fewer archaeological studies document the suitability of small-format aerial imagery taken from low flying heights (Karras et al, 1999;Altan et al, 2004;Bitelli et al, 2004).…”

Using photogrammetry to interpret human action on Neolithic monument boulders in Ireland's Cavan Burren

“…Demonstrating the background research behind a proposed reconstruction was not part of the process at that time (Stout and Stout, 2008), nor was it practical. Fortunately, 21st-century, digital technology allows researchers with ordinary technical skills and equipment to make assessments of potential artifacts that are rapid, accurate, revealing, and easily presented to others (Chandler et al, 2007;Miles et al, 2014). These assessments, in turn, allow preservation authorities to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions to secure and maintain valuable sites.…”

“…In addition, it is a non-invasive means to test hypotheses, via static images and/or animation, while leaving the sites intact (Guidi et al., 2009). As digital technologies advance and their application becomes easier, these techniques will likely become even more efficient and economical to deploy in the field (Chandler et al, 2007). In addition, such technology will become more accessible to heritage specialists (Spring and Peters, 2014) and the relatively simple instrumentation can also be used by the public sector to help care for these sites, possibly increasing public concern for them, as well (Chandler et al, 2007;McCarthy, 2014).…”

A simple methodology for recording petroglyphs using low-cost digital image correlation photogrammetry and consumer-grade digital cameras

“…These techniques do not have any of the limitations associated with previous ones, which were limited in accuracy or were too time consuming. They present great potential in recording rock art (Díaz-Andreu et al, 2006;Chandler et al, 2007).…”