Graphics and Archaeology: Interpreting the Past

Snowbird, Utah
20-23 May 2000

Presentation:

Archaeology, Information Systems, and Virtual Environments: A Multi-disciplinary Approach for Presentation

Presenters:

• Paulo Bernardes
• Luis Fonseca

Summary:

Paulo presented the work of Unidade de Arqueologia da Universidade do Minho in Braga, Portugal. It is an urban rescue project involving the Roman ruins of the city named after Emperor Augustus Bracara over 2000 years ago.

From a historical perspective, the first map of Braga is from the 16th century. A majority of information was a collection of graphical and alphanumeric information. Roman artifacts and Medieval finds were discovered throughout the site.

The initial merge of data included a GIS and research database approach. This allowed analysis by the archaeological excavation method. Spatial and chronological analyses were facilitated by this approach. Further work has progressed to reconstructions of an Insula via 3D visualizations.

Visualizations via computer animations have been helpful when the audience have little computer experience. Visualizations of entire structures help new visitors make sense of excavated building foundations and help them to alleviate their fears of computer interaction.

Conclusions / Issues:

• Computer graphics became a helpful research instrument used in all steps and levels of the archaeological work
• The reconstruction and representation of a media-tized past demands high scientific performance
  • note - these models may be one of several possible interpretations
  • it is desirable for this work to help people understand the significance and context of the ruins in their local area
• Future work - to integrate our 3D models with 3D Geographical Information System (GIS)
  • they are using Integraph MGE GIS systems - moving to Geomedia