3D modeling technology is a process to create digital 3D models from real objects. Laser scanning and photogrammetry are two major methods to make digital 3D models. Because of cost-effectiveness, ease of use and scientific accuracy, photogrammetry is widely used in cultural management, including research, documentation, communication and conservation.
Example: 3D Model of Bison Thoracic Vertebrae
Scholars have started working on archaeological research associated with photogrammetry technology. This new method of documentation provides visual records of archaeological sites for researchers. Ten years ago hand drawing and photography were the primary methods contributing to visual records of chronic changes of archaeological sites by the result of excavation. However, the information which can be provided is limited. Today, photogrammetry’s emergence plays an important role in the documentation of 3D objects. This new method of provides not only visual images of the working site, but also an 3D model available to be edited and interacted with.Photogrammetry is effectively contributing to archaeological documentation.
Hand drawing documentation method is still valuable in documentation. First, it can be the backup of the digital information. Data storage devices are relatively reliable today in terms of the stability. However, data loss is still a risk. It can be caused by the reasons of deleting data accidentally, viruses, mechanical damage, power fail or even theft of devices. Hand drawing documentation would then become the important source of information if the digital data is damaged or lost.
Second, traditional methods of documentation are complementary to the 3D model providing research information. Although 3D modelling is accurate and effective, it still has limitation. Most significantly, photogrammetry has errors when it is dealing with reflective or transparent surfaces. In such situation, traditional methods could take the responsibility to collect and record the information of the subjects of interest. Hand drawing and photography could be the complements of 3D modelling documentation.
Third, it is the decision of efficiency. Photogrammetry includes two steps, which are data collection and data process. Data collection in photogrammetry is comparatively faster than hand drawing. For data process, however, it sometimes takes much time to render a 3D model, which is determined by the quantity of information, such as the number or definition of the images. For hand drawing (on physical papers or on computer with software, such as AutoCAD), it will, for sure, take longer time in data collection, but it needs nearly none of the time in data processing. In this case, researchers could decide to use whether photogrammetry or traditional methods to conduct documentation regarding the time or effort efficiency.
In summary, traditional methods are still conducive to visual documentation. 3D modelling is not able to, at least today, fully take over the role of hand drawing or photography. However, it is good enough to provide researchers with extra information of the subject of interest. More importantly, digital 3D models would allow scholars to study the subject of interest on a wider scale than in real life. Without the limitation of accessibility, they could have virtual access on the Internet to the subject of interest in 3D location far away. We look forward to seeing the achievement of the complement of 3D modelling technology and traditional methods of documentation.
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