3D Visualization Techniques for Analysis and Archaeological Interpretation of GPR Data

Abstract

The non-invasive detection and digital documentation of buried archaeological heritage by means of geophysical prospection is increasingly gaining importance in modern field archaeology and archaeological heritage management. It frequently provides the detailed information required for heritage protection or targeted further archaeological research. High-resolution magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) became invaluable tools for the efficient and comprehensive non-invasive exploration of complete archaeological sites and archaeological landscapes. The analysis and detailed archaeological interpretation of the resulting large 2D and 3D datasets, and related data from aerial archaeology or airborne remote sensing, etc., is a time-consuming and complex process, which requires the integration of all data at hand, respective three-dimensional imagination, and a broad understanding of the archaeological problem; therefore, informative 3D visualizations supporting the exploration of complex 3D datasets and supporting the interpretative process are in great demand. This paper presents a novel integrated 3D GPR interpretation approach, centered around the flexible 3D visualization of heterogeneous data, which supports conjoint visualization of scenes composed of GPR volumes, 2D prospection imagery, and 3D interpretative models. We found that the flexible visual combination of the original 3D GPR datasets and images derived from the data applying post-processing techniques inspired by medical image analysis and seismic data processing contribute to the perceptibility of archaeologically relevant features and their respective context within a stratified volume. Moreover, such visualizations support the interpreting archaeologists in their development of a deeper understanding of the complex datasets as a starting point for and throughout the implemented interactive interpretative process.

A Newly Developed Tool for the Post-Processing of GPR Time-Slices in A GIS Environment

“…Some of these software tools are also used to achieve a 3D visualization of GPR timeslices, such as GPR-Slice where time-slices and vertical profiles can be visualized within a cube, meaning in two dimensions but with a three-dimensional impression. Furthermore, various studies address the issue of managing large datasets and their interpretation by exploring possible procedures to identify and model archaeological features from GPR data [14][15][16][17][18]. Other significant experiences integrated GPR and resistivity data, both having a three-dimensional nature, to obtain a 3D visualization [19][20][21].…”

From Its Core to the Niche: Insights from GPR Applications

“…Multi-channel systems speed up data acquisition and allow full wave-field recording at the same time. Moreover, the use of 3D imaging techniques has produced more realistic and high-resolution images of buried archeological remains, such as villages [86,87], megalithic structures as in the case of Stonehenge [88], and ancient necropolises [89,90], which permits not only finding, but also obtaining volumetric reconstructions, thus allowing archeologists to restore the original appearance of the site [91].…”

3D Sedimentary Architecture of Sandy Braided River, Based on Outcrop, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Ground Penetrating Radar Data

“…Similar to seismic in oil and gas exploration, interpretation of GPR data is based primarily on reflector patterns, using radar facies to analyze rock formations in the underground medium [19,24,25]. The interface and internal structure of a geological body are interpreted in terms of the amplitude, configuration, and continuity of the reflector and its external geometry [26][27][28]. There have been many successful cases of GPR in various clastic depositional environments, and it is capable of solving geometric problems at the scale of architectural elements and bedforms.…”