3D Models of Architectural Remains in Archaeological Context: Visualisation as a Tool in Interdisciplinary Research of the Polish Archaeological Mission in Kato Paphos on Cyprus

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present the usage of different methods for obtaining 3D virtual models in order to document and better understand features of various kinds of data collected during excavations of the Polish Archaeological Mission of the University of Warsaw at Kato Paphos in Cyprus. During several recent seasons of excavations we tested a few methods of generating 3D spatial data, among others the image-based modelling and the structured light 3D scanner. As an interdisciplinary group of architects and archaeologists we used them for different kinds of objects: from relatively small pieces of architectural details and sculpture (e.g. fragments of columns, cornices, altars, etc.), through archaeological trenches to fragments of bigger structures and edifices. Most of the objects, independently of their size and scale, belonged to architectural remains. The comparison of methods and workflows with spatial data on the field helped us to find the best solution for multidisciplinary studies on the archaeological site of the Greek and Roman residential settlement in Kato Paphos.