The Complete Archaeological Imaging Cheat Sheet: From Field Photography to Advanced Digital Reconstruction

Introduction

Archaeological imaging encompasses the diverse techniques used to visually document, analyze, and interpret archaeological materials and sites. From traditional photography to cutting-edge computational imaging, these methods provide critical visual data for research, preservation, and public engagement. Effective imaging creates a permanent visual record of ephemeral excavation processes, enables detailed analysis beyond what’s possible in the field, and helps communicate archaeological findings to both specialists and the public.

Core Principles of Archaeological Imaging

Field Photography Techniques

Basic Equipment Requirements

• DSLR/Mirrorless Camera: High-resolution capability with manual controls
• Lenses: Standard zoom (24-70mm), macro lens, wide-angle lens
• Tripod: Stable support for consistent imaging
• Scale Bars: North arrow, photographic scale (multiple sizes)
• Color Chart: For accurate color calibration
• Diffusers and Reflectors: For controlled lighting
• Remote Shutter Release: To prevent camera shake
• Gray Cards: For white balance calibration
• Weather Protection: Camera rain covers, dust protection

Field Photography Best Practices

Site Photography Workflow

1. Establish Photo Log System: Record image number, subject, direction, date/time
2. Morning/Evening Lighting: Utilize low-angle light to enhance features
3. Systematic Coverage: Document site from consistent vantage points
4. Include Scale: Use appropriate scale bar in every image
5. Cardinal Points: Take systematic photos from N, S, E, W directions
6. Progress Documentation: Photograph each excavation stage systematically
7. Weather Considerations: Note lighting/weather conditions in photo log

Feature Documentation Steps

1. Initial Discovery: As-found condition before any intervention
2. Cleaned State: After initial cleaning but before excavation
3. Working Shots: During excavation process
4. Final State: Complete documentation after full exposure
5. Multiple Angles: Overhead, oblique, and eye-level perspectives
6. Detail Shots: Close-ups of significant elements

Artifact Photography Guidelines

Remote Sensing and Landscape Imaging

Aerial Photography Methods

• UAV/Drone Imaging: Low-altitude, high-resolution site documentation
• Balloon/Kite Photography: Low-cost alternative for aerial imaging
• Fixed-Wing Aircraft: Traditional method for larger landscape coverage
• Satellite Imagery: Historical and contemporary landscape analysis

Aerial Photography Flight Planning

1. Define Coverage Area: Establish boundaries and key features
2. Set Flight Parameters: Altitude, speed, image overlap (60-80% recommended)
3. Consider Time of Day: Morning/evening for shadow enhancement
4. Weather Conditions: Clear days, consistent lighting, minimal wind
5. Ground Control Points: Place and survey for georeferencing
6. Flight Pattern Design: Grid or crosshatch for complete coverage
7. Permission Acquisition: Secure necessary airspace clearances

Advanced Remote Sensing Techniques

3D Documentation Methods

Photogrammetry Process

1. Planning Stage:

   • Define objectives and required resolution
   • Select appropriate equipment and software
   • Plan photo capturing strategy (70-80% overlap)

2. Field Capture Protocol:

   • Place scale bars and coded targets
   • Capture systematic overlapping images
   • Maintain consistent lighting and camera settings
   • Document camera metadata and conditions

3. Processing Workflow:

   • Import and align photos
   • Generate sparse point cloud
   • Create dense point cloud
   • Build mesh surface
   • Apply texture mapping
   • Scale using known measurements
   • Export to appropriate format

4. Common Software Options:

   • Agisoft Metashape
   • Reality Capture
   • 3DF Zephyr
   • COLMAP (open source)
   • Meshroom (open source)

Laser Scanning Approaches

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)

• Equipment Setup: Tripod-mounted scanner, targets for registration
• Scanning Strategy: Multiple scan positions with 30-40% overlap
• Resolution Settings: Typically 5-10mm point spacing for sites, 1mm for objects
• Registration Workflow: Target-based or feature-based alignment
• Data Management: Point cloud filtering, segmentation, classification

Structured Light Scanning

• Equipment Components: Projector, camera(s), calibration board
• Object Preparation: Matte spray for reflective objects (when permitted)
• Capture Process: Multiple scans from different angles
• Resolution Capabilities: 0.1-0.5mm typical for archaeological objects
• Software Options: DAVID, Artec Studio, FlexScan3D

Comparing 3D Documentation Methods

Image Processing and Enhancement

Digital Photo Processing Workflow

1. Initial Organization: File naming convention, folder structure
2. RAW Processing: White balance, exposure correction, lens correction
3. Basic Adjustments: Contrast, clarity, saturation (minimal)
4. Metadata Addition: Context information, copyright, location data
5. Batch Processing: Apply consistent corrections across similar images
6. Output Generation: Archive (RAW/TIFF), working (JPEG), web versions

Image Enhancement Techniques

Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI)

1. Equipment Setup:

   • Fixed camera position (tripod-mounted)
   • Black reflective sphere(s) in frame
   • Uniform lighting environment
   • Consistent light distance from center

2. Capture Process:

   • Take 30-60 images with light from different positions
   • Maintain consistent camera settings
   • Keep light source at consistent distance

3. Processing Steps:

   • Use RTIBuilder software to identify sphere position
   • Generate polynomial texture map (.ptm) or RTI file
   • Use RTIViewer for interactive examination

4. Viewing Methods:

   • Specular enhancement
   • Normal map visualization
   • Diffuse gain
   • Multiple light enhancement

Digital Reconstruction and Visualization

3D Modeling Approaches

• Evidence-Based Reconstruction: Strictly follows archaeological evidence
• Hypothetical Reconstruction: Clearly indicates speculation vs. evidence
• Multiple Alternatives: Presents different reconstruction possibilities
• Temporal Phasing: Shows development through time
• Paradata Documentation: Records decision-making process and information sources

Visualization Ethics and Best Practices

1. Transparency: Clearly distinguish between evidence and conjecture
2. Documentation: Record all sources and decisions in reconstruction process
3. Collaboration: Involve subject specialists in reconstruction decisions
4. Version Control: Maintain revisions history as new evidence emerges
5. Accessibility: Consider multiple presentation formats for diverse audiences
6. Data Preservation: Archive source data and reconstruction files
7. Attribution: Properly credit contributors and source materials

Common Visualization Software

Common Challenges and Solutions

Best Practices for Data Management

File Organization

• Hierarchical Structure: Site > Context > Feature > Image Type
• Consistent Naming: ProjectCode_Year_Context_FeatureID_ImageType_SequenceNumber
• Versioning Protocol: Original, working, final, web versions clearly identified
• Metadata Integration: Embed key information in file properties
• README Documentation: Include processing notes and documentation

Archival Standards

• Master Files: Uncompressed TIFF or DNG format
• Working Copies: Edit on duplicates, never originals
• Resolution Requirements: Minimum 300 DPI for print publication
• Color Management: Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB color space
• Backup Protocol: 3-2-1 rule (3 copies, 2 different media, 1 off-site)
• Checksum Verification: Confirm file integrity after transfers

Resources for Further Learning

Key Publications

• Digital Imaging for Archaeological Record by J. McPherron and H. Dibble
• Digital Archaeology: Bridging Method and Theory by T.L. Evans and P. Daly
• The Oxford Handbook of Archaeological Theory (sections on digital archaeology)
• 3D Recording, Documentation and Management of Cultural Heritage by E. Stylianidis and F. Remondino

Organizations and Standards

• Archaeological Data Service (ADS) Guidelines
• Archaeology Data Service / Digital Antiquity Guides to Good Practice
• Cultural Heritage Imaging (CHI) RTI Guidelines
• CIDOC Documentation Standards

Online Resources and Communities

• Open Context (opencontext.org)
• tDAR: The Digital Archaeological Record
• Sketchfab Cultural Heritage Collection
• GitHub Archaeological Imaging Repositories

Training Opportunities

• Cultural Heritage Imaging Workshops
• Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA) Conference
• Digital Humanities Summer Institutes
• Society for American Archaeology Technology Sessions