Multitemporal and Multiscale Applications of Geomatic Techniques to Medium-Sized Archaeological Sites—Case Study of Marroquíes Bajos (Jaén, Spain)

Abstract

This study describes a methodology for obtaining a geometric documentation of a medium-sized archaeological area by applying various geomatic techniques. The procedure considers the obtainment of products at several scales, from the entire site to small artifacts, and at several dates, in order to model the evolution of the archaeological work. The methodology includes both LiDAR and photogrammetry, using the LiDAR point clouds to support the geometry obtained using photogrammetry and adding texture from this source. The technique used was adapted to the circumstances of the scene by considering the scale level (resolution and accuracy), complexity, and other requirements of the project. In the case of LiDAR, terrestrial laser scanning and structured-light scanning were used, and the aerial photogrammetry used two types of RPAS (medium and low flight height), close range photogrammetry with a conventional camera, and very close-range photogrammetry with a conventional camera mounted with a macro lens. The methodology demonstrated its feasibility for performing these types of studies, providing products adapted to the required scale level. All results were integrated into a website, including a map that allows user interaction and displays products at a selected zoom level, according to their scale level. The website also displays 3D models of the scenes and objects studied.