When studying geographical phenomena, different levels of spatial and temporal granularity often have to be considered. While various approaches have been proposed to analyse geographical data in a multi-scale perspective, they have all focused on either spatial or temporal attributes rather than on the integration of space and time over multiple scales. This study introduces the continuous spatio-temporal model (CSTM), a conceptual model that seeks to address this shortcoming. The presented model is based on (1) the continuous temporal model (CTM), a multi-scale model for temporal information, and (2) the continuous spatial model (CSM), an extension of CTM for multi-scale spatial raster data. At the core of the presented conceptual model is a spatio-temporal evolution element or, in short, stevel, which is described by four variables: (1) pixel location, (2) spatial resolution, (3) temporal interval, and (4) temporal resolution. By varying one or more of these variables, a CSTM-tree consisting of (sets of) stevel arrays is created, forming the basis of an exhaustive CSTM-typology. These arrays can then be used to systematically cluster spatio-temporal information. The value of our approach is illustrated by means of a simplified example of mean temperature evolution. Various suggestions are made for modifications to be developed in future research
Accurate and detailed data recording is indispensable for documenting archeological projects and for subsequent information exchange. To prevent comprehension and accessibility issues in these cases, data infrastructures can be useful. The establishment of such data infrastructures requires a clear understanding of the business processes and information flows within the archeological domain. This study attempts to provide insights into how information is managed in Flemish archeological processes and how this management process can be enhanced: an exploratory study based on an analysis of the new Flemish Immovable Heritage Decree, informal interviews with Flemish archeological organizations, and the results of an international survey. Three main processes, in which certified archeologists and the Flemish Heritage agency are key actors, were identified. Multiple types of information, the majority of which contain a geographical component, are recorded, acquired, used, and exchanged. Geographical information systems (GIS) and geodatabases therefore appear to be valuable components of an archeology-specific data infrastructure. This is of interest because GIS are widely adopted in archeology and multiple Flemish archeological organizations are in favor of a government-provided exchange standard or database templates for data recording. Furthermore, free and open source software is preferred to ensure cost efficiency and customizability.
Abstract. The destructive nature of archaeological excavations and the spatial character of archaeological finds make 3D models valuable contributions to the documentation of archaeological information. Laser scanning allows highly accurate 3D reconstructions, but involves considerable costs and expert knowledge. Therefore, photo modelling could be considered as a useful alternative. In this paper, we will demonstrate on the one hand the costefficiency and the consequent time-efficiency of the technique and on the other hand its (sub-decimeter) accuracy. Furthermore, the possibilities and advantages of motorized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and helium balloons as airborne platform for image acquisition are shown. For this purpose, a case study is performed at the Mayan archaeological site of Edzna (Mexico). Using the Structure from Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) algorithm, terrestrial and aerial photographic recordings are processed into the final 3D models. For the quality assessment the photographic recordings are supplemented with topographic measurements.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have been used in various archaeological projects. However, the archaeological data particularities (three-dimensionality, temporal dimension, imperfection) hamper the exhaustive application. A 3D or 4D (3D + time) GIS that is specifically tailored to archaeology may accordingly be beneficial. To develop such a system, a human-centred design, which considers the needs and viewpoints of the users in a four stage, iterative design cycle can be used. This paper focusses on the first two stages, the context of use description and the specification of the user requirements, by means of a user survey and so, does not address the proper design. The survey results clarify the widespread use of GIS in archaeology and the relatively high rate of expertise. Users require storing both raw and interpreted data, handling multiple temporal categories and imperfection. Furthermore, the use of data standards and metadata is limited and has to be encouraged.
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