Using photogrammetric 3d models as learning sources in archaeology

Abstract

During the last few years new technologies, as well as new software, have taken a really important relevance in research on archaeology. A great example is the case of 3D photogrammetry; this technique has shown its importance in archaeological research worldwide through software such as Agisoft Metashape. This program allows the archaeologist to build 3D models of perishable elements, such as wood, bones, coins or pottery before being extracted from the archaeological site. Also, 3D modelling also allows reproducing of the strata that are being excavated and allow reproducing and immortalising every moment of an archaeological site. In the same way, the reproduction of ancient pottery, anthropological remains, or any other object is viable through photogrammetry. The combination of 3D modelling and the use of drones shows the way to ortophotographies and 3D models of the whole site, not just a part of it. This system, 3D modelling, allows transporting to the classroom the archaeological site such as archaeological material. This grants students with different capacities full access to a site and full contact with the ancient material. In this paper, we argue the possibility of using 3D modelling methods in University teaching in different subjects such as archaeology o ceramology. For example, ancient pottery objects can be recreated and the student can work on them in a 3d environment, pieces can be moved, cut, transformed, drawn, etc. The using of 3D pottery models can be a new way to teach ceramology at the University. Also in combination with a 3D printer ancient objects can be created and every student can touch the ancient forms. We cannot underestimate the COVID-19 circumstances and the impossibility that this is supposed in the work with real ancient objects to the students. The use of 3D models and sharing models platforms such as Sketchfab favours the diffusion and learning of heritage through 3D models. We are going to show 3D models based on Roman sites in the territory of Girona (Catalonia, Spain) to conduct our teaching speech to different examples that came from real and newest archaeological research of the zone. The use of drones, 3D models and other newer methods will be explained and also the relation with University teaching will be explained. The innovation in teaching in archaeology is key and the need of using new tools that had already been used in research in teaching is a very important point in this paper. We aim to bond research innovations in archaeological methodology with the ones that need to be performed when teaching