3D GIS

The "GIS of Underwater Baiae" with 3D documentation: a useful tool to record the state of conservation of a Roman submerged town

by Barbara Davidde

Co-authored with Roberto Petriaggi, Gabriele Gomez de Ayala,
Poster presented during the UNESCO Colloquium:
International Scientific Colloquium on Factors impacting Underwater Cultural Heritage 13 December and 14 December 2011 in Brussels (Belgium)

Lo sviluppo di nuovi percorsi di documentazione archeologica

by Mirko Peripimeno

Il progetto del SIARCH-UNIVAQ, Sistema Informativo Architettonico

by Stefano Brusaporci

BRUSAPORCI S, CENTOFANTI M, CONTINENZA R, RUGGIERI G, TRIZIO I (2008). Il progetto del SIArch - Sistema Informativo per l'Architettura. DISEGNARE CON..., vol. 2, 2008, p. 1-7, ISSN: 1828-5961

The SIArch-Univaq, under development and implementation
at the Architecture and Urbanism Department of L’Aquila... more The SIArch-Univaq, under development and implementation
at the Architecture and Urbanism Department of L’Aquila University, is a part of a research study funded in the 2006 by Italian Ministry of University and proposes the theme of an Architectural GIS database conceived for the architectural
heritage conservation and enhancement.
It is an information system developed at architectural scale in order to make it easy the on time strategies development for the conservation and enjoyment of architectural heritage, exploring the existing software limits in the field of interaction with three-dimensional models. It was looked after, finally, the database’s structure organization in order to make possible the available data integration together with the so called “Risk Map” national database.

The Architectural Information System SIArch3D-Univaq for analysis and preservation of architectural heritage

by Stefano Brusaporci

CENTOFANTI M, CONTINENZA R, BRUSAPORCI S, TRIZIO I (2011). The Architectural Information System SIArch3D-Univaq for analysis and preservation of architectural heritage. THE INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE PHOTOGRAMMETRY, REMOTE SENSING AND SPATIAL INFORMATION SCIENCES, vol. XXXVIII-5/W16, ISSN: 1682-1777

The research group of L’Aquila University defined a procedure to create an architectonical Information System called... more The research group of L’Aquila University defined a procedure to create an architectonical Information System called SIArch-
Univaq. This information system can be integrated with “Risk Map” Italian database. The SIArch-Univaq is based on importation of architectonical three-dimensional photorealistic models in GIS environment. 3D models are realised according to building constructive elements, derived by a critical architectonic surveying; the importation of models into GIS allows the interrogation of the constructive elements (i.e. beam, window, door, etc.): this favour the knowledge of the architectonical heritage, indispensable requirement to plan processes of restoration, maintenance and management

From integrated surveying to SiArch-3D: the case-study of S. Paolo church in Peltuinum (AQ)

by Stefano Brusaporci

BRUSAPORCI S, TRIZIO I (2010). Dal rilevamento integrato al SiArch-3D: il caso di studio della chiesa di S. Paolo a Peltuinum (AQ). In: Sistemi Informativi Integrati per la tutela la conservazione e la valorizzazione del patrimonio architettonico e urbano. p. 39-42, ROMA:Gangemi, ISBN: 978-88-492-1860-2

The church of S. Paolo near Peltuinum (AQ) has been chosen
as case study to test the SiArch, i.e. the... more The church of S. Paolo near Peltuinum (AQ) has been chosen
as case study to test the SiArch, i.e. the rchitectonical lnformative System studied by the Research Unit of L'Aquila University. Before the earthquake of ApriI 6th 2009, happened
during the research period, the building was surveyed using digitaI photogrammetry techniques by PhotoModeler Scanner
6 software. After the seismic event the church was surveyed
with laser scanner. About architectonical surveying, according
to the used instruments, digitaI photogrammetry techniques
are simpler, faster and more economie, but surfaces built by photogrammetric point clouds are satisfying only for flat façades or with regular curvature, and elements with limited
prominence. Using alI surveying data, was reelised the church s
3D photorealistic model. To build an Architectonical Informative
System, the first step is planning the database, that required
to compose 3D model according to constructive elements. Then the 3D model, textured by Autodesk 3DStudioMax 20 1Oand exported in *.3ds format, is imported in ArcScene
of ESRI ArcView 9.3 software. This procedure gives the
possibility to realize an architectonical informative system with
photorealistic 3D model into GIS environment. Moreover another
testing is about the importation of churciis mesh textured
surface, realized by digitaI photogrammetry techniques,
into ESRI GIS environment.

Three-dimensional models experimentation in studying historical architecture

by Stefano Brusaporci

BRUSAPORCI S (2010). Sperimentazione di modelli tridimensionali nello studio dell'architettura storica. In: Sistemi Informativi Integrati per la tutela la conservazione e la valorizzazione del patrimonio architettonico e urbano. p. 58-64, ROMA:Gangemi, ISBN: 978-88-492-1860-2

Aim of the research is studying how surveying and modelling digitaI techniques can be used as instruments far... more Aim of the research is studying how surveying and modelling digitaI techniques can be used as instruments far architectonical analysisand representation. Case-studies of the research are the churches of S. Giustino in Paganica (XII-XV-XVIII-XX centuries) and of S. Paolo in Peltuinum (XII-Xlii-XVIII centuries): theyare medieval buildings, characterized by stratification phenomena, and during the twentieth centu ry modified by stilisti restorations, to bring them back to presumable originaI asset. They have been surveyed with integrated method. 3D-models describes architectonic characteristics such as geometric-dimensional, spatial, historical, metrologic-proportional ones; models give the possibility to visualize building's constructive phases end, mapped with photographical images, allow to represent materials, colou rs and constructive aspects. DigitaI photogrammetry, used according to an inverse camera process, givesthe possibility to reconstruct, by archival photos disappeared spatial and architectonical configurations. The 3D models can be instruments to interrelate and analyse in forma tions: in this way 3D models are data base. This kind of 3D model requires a plan ning according to digitaI components organization and layers stratification: this is fundamental far themodel's capability to collect data, be managed and interrogated. So 3D models are disarranged according to constructive elements; a database model in CAD environment is built by iperlinking model's elements to a data management matrix

Restitución 3D de la topografía de la antigua ciudad de Tarraco en un entorno SIG. Propuestas metodológicas y primeros resultados

by GIAP Landscape Archaeology Research Group

Orengo, H.A.; Fiz, J.I. & Macias, J.M. 2011. ‘Restitución 3D de la topografía de la antigua ciudad de Tarraco en un entorno SIG: propuestas metodológicas y primeros resultados’ in V. Mayoral & S. Celestino (Eds.) Tecnologías de Información Geográfica y análisis arqueológico del territorio, Anejos del Archivo Español de Arqueología, LIX: 713-722.

Planning a conservation project: the information system of the Insula Orientalis I at Herculaneum

by Massimo Brizzi

Co-authored with A. D'Andrea, D. Sepio, M. De Silva, S. Court. Proceedings of the XXth CIPA International Symposium (Torino, 26 September–01 October 2005).

The Herculaneum Conservation Project (HCP) is a collaborative venture between the Soprintendenza Archeologica di... more The Herculaneum Conservation Project (HCP) is a collaborative venture between the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Pompei, the Packard Humanities Institute, and the British School at Rome. The project aims to halt the progressive decay of the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum, and includes rescuing the archaeological remains from immediate danger and the implementation of aconservation strategy in order to favour the long-term survival of the site. In order to understand the work involved and to establish best practices, one of the first steps taken was the adoption of an entire urban block, the Insula Orientalis I, as a case study area. HCP employed a team of multidisciplinary consultants to analyse and record the standing remains of this insula; the results of their research are providing the basis for any decision-making in the conservation, restoration and presentation to the public of the Insula Orientalis I. From the outset it was evident that a unique information management tool was needed to homogeneously record structured data collected in the field by each specialist. The information system has to provide immediate access to information and a prompt answer to any query made by different specialists on any aspect of the complex. This paper shows how the Insula Orientalis Information System manages to integrate specific approaches to analysis by creating a single geodatabase which is referenced to a detailed survey of the buildings with ‘fly through’ access. It provides useful tools for administrative management, as well as powerful instruments for scientific analysis and 3D visualization of results.

The Application of 3D Reconstruction Techniques in the Analysis of Ancient Tarraco's Urban Topography

by GIAP Landscape Archaeology Research Group

Orengo, H.A. & Fiz, I. 2008. ‘The application of 3D reconstruction techniques in the analysis of ancient Tarraco’s urban topography’ in Posluschny, A.; Lambers, K. y Herzog, I. (eds.) Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, Germany, April 2-6, 2007, Kolloquien zur Vor- und Frühgeschichte, vol. 10. Bonn, Habelt.

2008 «3D GEO-VISUALIZATION OF MEDITERRANEAN SHRUBS IN DIFFERENT SPATIAL SCALES FOR LANDSCAPE FIRE MANAGEMENT»

by Apostolos Papakonstantinou

“Studying, Modelling and Sense Making of Planet Earth” 1 – 6 June, 2008 Department of Geography, University of the Aegean

ABSTRACT
Surface fire fuels are the primary source of combustion in most wildland ecosystems. Mediterranean... more ABSTRACT
Surface fire fuels are the primary source of combustion in most wildland ecosystems. Mediterranean shrubs constitute important understory surface fuels, as they are mainly dry and flammable during the summer fire season. Critical forest fuel properties for fire prevention and control are species composition, density, structure, and vertical and horizontal continuity. This paper refers on a three-dimensional visualization system of shrub fuels in different spatial scales that was developed using high-resolution QuickBird satellite imagery and in-situ data of shrublands measured in field surveys at Kratigos National Forest, Lesvos Island, Greece. The main objective was to provide a methodology for the integration of in-situ shrub data (detailed spatial information) and a 3D Graphics Software (Visual 3D Nature) via Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop a useful tool for construction of multi-scale 3D landscape models for fire management. Selection of utilized optical variables and explicit processes were analyzed and presented for the visual optimization of shrub fields in different spatial scales. Emphasis was given not only on the suitability of optical variables regarding visualization, but also on the sources, demands and limitations that were applied in each case. The results showed that the proposed 3D visualization plays a key role in understanding the structure and spatial distribution of surface shrub fuels in different scales for end-users involved into forest fire ecology and management.

Keywords: Mediterranean Ecosystems, Wildfire Fuels, Spatial Scale,
3D Visualization, High-Resolution Remote Sensing, GIS

Extracting terrain morphology - a new algorithm and a comparative evaluation

by Laura Papaleo

Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Computer Graphics Theory and Applications, Barcelona, Spain, March 8-11, 2007, Volume GM/R. INSTICC - Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information, Control and Communication 2007, ISBN 978-972-8865-71-9

We consider the problem of extracting morphology of a terrain represented as a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN).... more We consider the problem of extracting morphology of a terrain represented as a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN). We propose a new algorithm and compare it with representative algorithms of the main approaches existing in the literature to this problem

Methods of constructing and visualizing 3D geological models from the GIS approach

by Gáspár Albert

My PhD Thesis mainly in Hungarian, with English summary

As a geoscientist of the Geological Institute of Hungary I experienced that construction of a 3D geological model is a... more As a geoscientist of the Geological Institute of Hungary I experienced that construction of a 3D geological model is a very time consuming work, which requires cartographical, geological and information technological knowledge, and it’s most important phase is the design of the data structure.
During the research my aim was to study the general conditions, the know-how and the best-practices of 3D geological models through practical applications, and to work out new methods if necessary. My primary achievements are the following:
1. I worked out the objective criteria for the 3D modeling applications in general.
2. I worked out a method for the cartographical representation of such archive geological field maps, which were inserted in the data frame of a GIS (the so called “digital manuscripts”).
3. I made a proposal to sort the structural elements in tectonic formations, and worked out a system for the classification of tectonic elements in 3D geological models.
4. I unified the data processing methods in defining the parameters of different planar objects in large scale 3D geological models, using spherical geometry.
5. I worked out a double projection method for creating tunnel wall-maps of observed geological features in mine-tunnels, using a spherical projection and a central cylindrical projection; this method is the first known practical application of the central cylindrical projection.
6. I worked out a method for creating 3D volumetric models of caves, using the original point-survey data, and the archive 2D cave passage maps.
7. I firstly published cartographic material and a review of the cartographic genre of “geological tourist maps” in Hungary; I introduced these maps as the 2,5D representation of a 3D geological model.
8. I worked out the idea of the GEOnukleus software, which would be able to visualize measurable data of 3D geological models through inter- and intranet with a client interface, and I led the project which worked out the use-case model of this application.
I concluded that the 3D geological modeling is an interdisciplinary science where, the modeling method depends on the quality and quantity of the original data, and in most cases it requires unique approach, to achieve the best results.

3D local scale solar radiation model based on urban LIDAR data

by Miguel Centeno Brito

presented in Hannover (2011) at the ISPRS workshop High Resolution Earth Imaging for Geospatial Information

The aim of the present study is to obtain the direct, diffuse and reflected solar energy that reaches a generic point... more The aim of the present study is to obtain the direct, diffuse and reflected solar energy that reaches a generic point of an urban landscape regardless of its location on a roof, on the ground or on a façade. The vertical façades embody a discontinuity in a digital elevation surface function and most models fail in the determination of solar radiation for points on façades. The presented algorithm solves the problem in an integrated way: starting with a georreferenced LIDAR data cloud covering a 400 x 400 m2 urban area resampled in a 1m x 1m mesh, applies a new shadow algorithm over roofs, terrain and façades for each time frame, applies the Kumar solar radiation model for the calculation of direct, diffuse and reflected irradiation for each 1x1m raster cell on non vertical surfaces of roof and terrain, and calculates total and mean irradiation of each 1 meter wide column of vertical façade based on the illuminated area at each time frame. The results for each time frame are integrated for the wished time period from one hour to one year, being the time steps also selectable, allowing several kinds of solar radiation and shadowing studies. GIS were used to evaluate monthly averages of solar radiation for a particular location as well as to map the photovoltaic potential of the building façades and their roofs according to determined classes of potential.

Methodologies for reconstructing a pastoral landscape: Land grants in sixteenth-century New Spain

by Richard Hunter

"Historical Methods," 2010, v. 43(1): 1-13

Landscape Analysis of a Sample of Rock-Art Sites in Central Italy

by Tommaso Mattioli

Le mura poligonali del Cicolano alla luce di recenti ricerche su transumanza e agro centuriato in Alta Sabina

by Tommaso Mattioli

Paolo Camerieri, Tommaso Mattioli

Paliou, E. (2011), “The communicative potential of Theran murals in Late Bronze Age Akotiri: applying viewshed analysis in 3D townscapes”, Oxford Journal of Archaeology, August 2011, 30.3

by Eleftheria Paliou

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the social functions of Aegean wall painting, by examining the... more This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the social functions of Aegean wall painting, by examining the communicative impact and possible socio-symbolic significance of Theran murals in the urban landscape of Late Bronze Age Akrotiri (Thera, Greece). It uses a novel method of computational analysis to investigate the visibility of mural painting in the prehistoric townscape which combines the functionalities of 3D modelling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The benefits of this approach lie in that it considers virtually all observer locations in the study area, while it takes more fully into account the precise shape of built forms and the physiological structure of the human visual system than other established methods of visibility analysis used in landscape and urban studies. The application of the methodology in the townscape of Akrotiri highlights some previously unobserved spatial relationships that could have played a role in enhancing the communicative impact of Theran murals in the LBA built environment, consequently encouraging the wide production of mural decoration in the settlement.

Review of Pohansko bei Břeclav: ein frühmittelalterliches Zentrum als sozialwirtschaftliches System, by Jiří Macháček (Bonn, 2007)

by Florin Curta

Early Medieval Europe 16 (2008) , no. 4, pp. 504-506

Moving into the Third Dimension: Three-dimensional data capture and manipulation

by Paul Cripps

In Archaeological Computing Newsletter 61

Three-dimensional visibility analysis of architectural spaces: iconography and visibility of the wall paintings of Xeste 3 (Late Bronze Age Akrotiri). Journal of Archaeological Science, 38(2011), 375-386

by Eleftheria Paliou

E-mail me for a copy of this paper.
Co-authored with David Wheatley and Graeme Earl-in press Journal of Archaeological Science http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WH8-51336DF-1/2/d4da31da6cea48b9f738632cb4a0705d

In recent years various methods of visibility analysis have been applied to investigate human engagement, experience... more In recent years various methods of visibility analysis have been applied to investigate human engagement, experience and socialisation within historic and prehistoric ’natural’ and built environments. On many occasions these approaches appear to be either extremely limited or wholly inadequate for the interpretation of complex built structures and building interiors because they do not fully model the three-dimensional geometry of such spaces. This paper briefly reviews computational approaches to visual analysis that have been previously applied in archaeological research, and then goes on to introduce a new analytical technique that uses fully 3D reconstructions of past environments. This method integrates common functionalities of 3D modelling software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), essentially permitting viewshed analysis to be performed upon objects of any form and shape modelled in 3D. We argue that the proposed methodology can generate new data and encourage fresh lines of enquiry in the study of extant and partially preserved historic and prehistoric built structures in a variety of contexts, ranging from building interiors and townscapes to landscapes. The potential of the method is illustrated by applying the suggested analysis to explore visual perception issues associated with the urban remains of Late Bronze Age Akrotiri (Thera, Greece).