A new approach to recording and monitoring wet-preserved archaeological wood using three-dimensional laser scanning

Michael Lobb, Kristina Krawiec, Andrew Howard, Benjamin Gearey, Henry Chapman

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    17 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The analysis and preservation of organic materials preserved within wetland environments represents one of the most costly parts of any post-excavation strategy. This paper outlines the application of high-resolution terrestrial laser scanning to one class of preserved material, worked archaeological wood. Scanning allowed the recording of the artefacts in three dimensions and the identification of features such as toolmarks. Features can be measured and volumetrically modelled within the digital environment, which may not always be possible for these often fragile materials using conventional techniques. Repeat scanning of the artefacts provided an opportunity to use comparative analysis software to investigate changes in the morphology of artefacts under contrasting conditions of short-term storage. The results suggest that immersion in water results in the least deterioration, whereas both freezing and air-drying caused distortion and degradation. This paper demonstrates that laser scanning provides a viable alternative post-excavation method for the recording, analysis and long-term ‘virtual archiving’ of organic archaeological materials, which may be more cost-effective in some instances than other methods of preservation.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2995-2999
    Number of pages5
    JournalJournal of Archaeological Science
    Volume37
    Issue number12
    Early online date25 Jun 2010
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2010

    Keywords

    • Artefact
    • Terrestrial laser scanning
    • Organic
    • Wood

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A new approach to recording and monitoring wet-preserved archaeological wood using three-dimensional laser scanning'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this