In this way, the analogue image has been replaced with its digital version, assuming that it is the best approach to achieve a more comprehensive dissemination of information, without asking if the archaeological context has been marginalised. The use of knowledge network makes it possible to disseminate the content and provide access to the creation and the distribution of other types of image which were previously restricted to only a few people. Nowadays, there are several virtual tools to document the archaeological objects for the general public. This kind of research can help defining best 3D practices for the documentation, visualization and analysis of sites. Nonetheless, the result of the quantitative comparison underscores the need to integrate this technique with laser scanner technologies, when the data acquisition of micro-stratigraphy is required. This study points to dense stereo matching as the most economical, portable, flexible, and widely used approach for the 3D documentation of archaeological sites today. The comparison of the co-registered surfaces was performed in both open source and commercial point cloud and mesh processing software based on the shortest point-to-mesh distance considering the normal to the mesh faces. This paper presents the results of the metrical comparison between the 3D models obtained using phase shift variation laser scanner (Faro Focus 3D) and dense stereo matching software (Agisoft Photoscan). The complexity of the Las Cuevas’ site allowed testing the 3D documentation techniques in areas of the site presenting different environmental conditions and light exposure: dark recesses of caves areas in shaded sunlight under the jungle canopy and places of more direct sunlight in areas that have been cleared of brush or exposed by tree fall.

The proposed work tests and compares laser scanning and dense stereo matching techniques at Las Cuevas site (Belize), to find the most appropriate methods to document different aspects of an archeological site, based on diverse environmental conditions, light exposures, and varied surfaces. Laser scanning and, recently, dense stereo matching techniques have shown to be very powerful tools for the 3D documentation of the archaeological excavation and context.

The use of three dimensional technologies for the documentation of archaeological and cultural heritage sites is well established today, but this can be challenging because researchers have yet to integrate these technologies to develop a complete and coherent methodology for the 3D documentation of sites.

Monumental graveyard forge of empires