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SfM Photogrammetric Field Methods for Historic Burial Excavations: The Case of Bethel Cemetery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 May 2020

Alex Elvis Badillo Open the ORCID record for Alex Elvis Badillo [Opens in a new window] ,
Joshua A. Myers  and
Ryan J. Peterson
Alex Elvis Badillo*
Affiliation:
Department of Earth and Environmental Systems, Indiana State University, Science Building 159, 600 Chestnut Street, Terre Haute, IN47809, USA
Joshua A. Myers
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, Indiana University and Purdue University, Indianapolis, Cavanaugh Hall 441, 425 University Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN46202, USA
Ryan J. Peterson
Affiliation:
Cardno, 3901 Industrial Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN46254, USA
*
(alex.badillo@indstate.edu, corresponding author)
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Abstract

In this article, we present a unique case study in Indianapolis, Indiana, where cultural resource management (CRM) archaeologists, alongside various university archaeologists, tested the use of SfM photogrammetry to effectively replace traditional archaeological methods of mapping and documentation during the excavation of over 500 historic burials. This project was designed with the intention of using SfM photogrammetry for 3D mapping and documentation from its inception, implementing formal procedures and protocols for data collection creating a standard workflow. To our knowledge, this is the first integrated use of SfM at this scale on an archaeological project in Indiana. By the close of fieldwork, over 300 burials had been digitally recorded, and measurable 3D models were generated. We found that the standard photogrammetry workflow implemented for single context excavation was largely successful. First, we outline the data collection process for 3D mapping of single-context excavations at Bethel Cemetery. This is followed by a description of the problems encountered during data collection and the ways the photogrammetry team adapted to variability in field environments for photocapture. Finally, we recommend the adoption of these methods by practitioners/academics as standard practice in the archaeological excavation of human remains.

En este artículo, los autores presentan un estudio único en Indianápolis, Indiana, donde los arqueólogos de una empresa de gestión de recursos culturales junto con varios arqueólogos universitarios probaron el uso de fotogrametría para reemplazar efectivamente los métodos arqueológicos tradicionales de mapeo y documentación durante la excavación de más de 500 entierros históricos. Este proyecto fue diseñado con la intención de utilizar fotogrametría para la documentación 3D desde su inicio, implementando procedimientos y protocolos formales para la recopilación de datos creando un flujo de trabajo estándar. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer uso integrado de fotogrametría a esta escala en un proyecto arqueológico en Indiana. Al final del trabajo de campo, más de 300 entierros habían sido grabados digitalmente y se generaron modelos 3D que son medibles. Los autores encontraron que los métodos estándar de recopilación de datos fotogrametría implementados para la excavación de este tipo tuvieron un gran éxito. Primero, describimos el proceso de recolección de datos para el mapeo 3D de excavaciones en el cementerio de Bethel. Esto es seguido por una descripción de los problemas encontrados durante la recopilación de datos y cómo el equipo de fotogrametría se adaptó a la variabilidad en los entornos de campo para la fotocaptura. Finalmente, los autores recomiendan la adopción de estos métodos por profesionales / académicos como práctica estándar en la excavación arqueológica de restos humanos.

Keywords

photogrammetrystandard workflow3D documentationhistoric burialsfotogrammetríaflujo de trabajo estándardocumentación tridimensionalentierros históricos
Type
Articles
Information
Advances in Archaeological Practice , Volume 8 , Issue 2 , May 2020 , pp. 151 - 161
Copyright
Copyright 2020 © Society for American Archaeology

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Footnotes

This article describes a workflow for the documentation of burials, but no images of human remains are published in this article. Prior to publication, the figures in the manuscript were carefully reviewed by the Society for American Archaeology president and president-elect.

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