High resolution documentation and evaluation of decorated wall stones with optical 3D measurement techniques taking the megalithic gallery-grave at Züschen / Lohne, Germany as an example

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. Apri, 2007 (Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10). Bonn 2008, pp. 78-82

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Abstract

A method for quantitative high resolution 3D documentation and investigation of surface structures is presented for which two closely related techniques have been combined: photogrammetry and optical profilometry (fringe projection technique). While the latter is particularly suitable for achieving large quantities of 3D data from limited areas photogrammetry allows a very precise measurement of single points in a wide field. By integrating these methods large surfaces decorated with rock art can be acquired with high resolution. For further evaluation range images are computed which render 3D data as a virtual image where each pixel represents a height value. The example of the gallery-grave at Züschen/Lohne in Hesse, Germany, demonstrates the capabilities of the method.