Image-based 3D modelling in archaeology: application and evaluation

Abstract

Image-based 3D modelling tools and techniques can be used to support some stages of the archaeological process. Two application examples, for two sites of the Roman Era, are presented, illustrating the usage and usefulness of such tools for the archaeological survey. For a quadrangular pool in the Milreu Roman Villa (Faro, Portugal), the 3D models resulting from the application of two different image-based modelling tools, using the same initial set of digital photos, are compared regarding time spent and model accuracy. For the Fonte do Ídolo in Bracara Augusta (Braga, Portugal), the result of a traditional survey is compared both with a laser-based survey and an image-based survey.