A Taxonomy of Visualization Strategies for Cultural Heritage Applications

Authors: Alessandro Foni, George Papagiannakis & Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann

Abstract:

In this article we present a general classification of the different approaches that might be employed to constitute a visual representation of a cultural heritage item, including the ones featuring the use of traditional tools as the ones exhibiting the inclusion of moder 2D and 3D digital technologies. In order to establish a coherent taxonomy, specific elements characterizing such approaches will be discussed and employed to assist the definition of a general conceptual framework that will enable the classification of the possible design choices according to their specific characteristics. Finally, a selection of modeling and simulation techniques which are specifically related to the creation process underlying the virtual representation of heritage items by means of modern visualization technologies will be explored alongside the main areas of preferences linked in the major actors active in the cultural heritage field.

3D Geometrical modelling of excavation units at the archaeological site of Tell ‘Acharneh (Syria)

Authors: L.-M. Losier, J. Pouliot & M. Fortin

Abstract:
3D geometric modeling consists of representing geometric and spatial relationships of volumetric objects. We think it could be helpful in the context of archaeological excavation units representation and analysis. This article presents a procedure developed to generate 3D models from GPS positions taken at the top and the bottom of the excavation units boundaries on the archaeological site of Tell ‘Acharneh (Syria). It shows and discusses two geometrical modeling approaches (voxel and tetrahedral) used in the Gocad 3D modeling tool. Once excavation units are geometrically modeled, it is possible to refer them within a trench or the entire archaeological site, to handle them in various ways (zoom, rotation, translation), to perform on them 3D spatial analysis such as volumetric calculus or intersection computation, to make various kinds of queries such as to find out excavation units that have a certain number of artefacts, to generate sections anywhere in the 3D model, and finally to publish it with VRML (Virtual Reality Modular Language). As well as improving data analysis techniques, we think that if this 3D modeling operation can be done during the excavation, it could greatly help archaeologists to plan more efficiently their daily excavation strategy.

Information rich temporal virtual models using X3D

Authors: Robina Hetherington, Brian Farrimond & Steve Presland

Abstract:

This paper explores the use of eXtensible Mark-up Language (XML) technologies, including eXtensible three-Dimensions (X3D), Scene Application Interface (SAI), eXtensible path (Xpath) and eXtensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) to display and manipulate a model along with associated temporal data. X3D, which is the new standard for the display of three-dimensional models over the World Wide Web, offers significant improvements for real-time client-side manipulation over other methods available for use on the Internet. These improvements are due to X3D being an application of XML. Real-time client side manipulation and display of a model and associated textual information through use of a Web Browser and Plugin is demonstrated. A single file is employed to contain all data related to how the structure has evolved and developed over time. This allows the user to view and explore the model in different states (times) and to read relevant historical textural information.

Ultra-real or symbolic visualization? The case of city through time

Authors: George Sidiropoulos & Athanasios Vasilakos

Abstract:

The distinctive character of digital technology has created new conditions of approach and processing. The city as the object of visualization has its own peculiarities as a separate object, notwithstanding the demands imposed by these new conditions. The medium’s interactivity, the requirements of digital distribution, the necessary compromises and prerequisites, shape a special state of 3D modeling.

This paper researches on the one hand the conditions for data collection, the state of data, its documentation and the production of the 3D model and on the other a theoretical framework of simulation and reproduction of the model of the "city" based on reality. Man has never stopped creating works of art. The history of art testifies to this, but what we seek is the creation of a model with the qualities of reality. Through the excellent possibilities that digital technology has made available for the production of an ultra-real model, we have managed to make the model of the city come alive.

The conclusions result from the applications used employing popular software programs (AutoCAD, ArcVIEW (3D analyst), 3D Studio MAX). This experience led to the formulation of a 3D model creation framework which allows for a greater degree of realistic re-creation without coming into conflict with scientific ethics, but in fact, demonstrating them.

Visualizing Temporal Uncertainty in 3D Virtual Reconstruction

Authors: T. Zuk, S. Carpendale & W.D. Glanzman

Abstract:

Uncertainty in various forms is prevalent throughout Archaeology. With archaeological site data in particular, the dating regularly has significant uncertainty. In this paper we present an application that enables integrating and visualizing the temporal uncertainty for multiple 3D archaeological data sets with different dating. We introduce a temporal time window for dealing with the uncertainty and review various visual cues appropriate for revealing the uncertainty within the time window. The interactive animation of the time window allows a unique exploration of the temporal uncertainty.

Archaeological Visualization: Towards an Archaeological Information Science (AISc)

Authors: Marcos Llobera

Abstract:

This paper reviews and evaluates the potential use of modern visualization techniques in archaeology. It suggests the need to apply and develop such techniques as a central part of any modern archaeological investigation. The use of these methods is associated with wider questions about data representations, in particular, their integration with archaeological theory and their role in facilitating analysis and shaping interpretation. Concern for these questions and with the overall potential that information systems provide to capture, represent, analyze, and model archaeological information suggests the need for a new interdisciplinary focus, Archaeological Information Science. For such a focus to prosper, archaeologists need to develop additional skills that go beyond mere technical ones. They need to become more active in the design and creation of future information archaeological systems. To this end, archaeologists are urged to view this task as a way to extend archaeology in new directions and to recognize that the digital representation and treatment of archaeological information can generate new forms of doing archaeology.

ViSMan: an Open-Source Visualization Framework for Virtual Reconstructions and Data Management in Archaeology

Authors: T. Diamanti, P. Diarte Blasco, A. Guidazzoli, M. Sebastián Lopez & E. Toffalori

Abstract:

This paper aims at analyzing some case-studies in Virtual Archaeology where 3D reconstructions have been used as a tool for visualization and spatial organization of structured archaeological data.

ViSMan (Visual Scenarios MANager) is an open source framework developed at Cineca for the visualization of scientific virtual environments. It has been applied to several Virtual Archaeology projects, thus allowing advanced 3d visualization features, switching between models, and linking to external contents such as images, text files, web urls; data linked through the models are visualized by the user in a new frame, overlapping or separated from the browser.

1. VisArq. 1.0 is an online geo-database of the archaeological heritage of the area around Zaragoza, Spain; the whole territory is visualized in ViSMan as a 3d DEM (Digital Elevation Model); the model displays the distribution of archaeological sites for which some kind of external reference is available; access is provided to different types of data by means of interactive HTML pages.
2. DHER-ViSMan application (running off-line) encloses both photo-realistic and schematic reconstructions of roman houses in Herculaneum, and explores different levels of data, ranging from the regional area to a single wall-painting; each model contains “Nodes”, which provide access to a rich archive of data, managed through a relational database.