From Photography to 3D Models and Beyond: Visualizations in Archaeology

This book explores the history of visual technology and archaeology and outlines how the introduction of interactive 3D computer modelling to the discipline parallels very closely the earlier integration of photography into archaeological fieldwork.

''This publication would work well both as an introduction and as a reference tool for specialists who want to explore history and current trends of visualization in archaeology. Despite the absence of any mention of free software applications, the volume could also work as a manual for university classes...'' – Alessandro Di Ludovico (2024): Bryn Mawr Classical Review

''Overall, Sanders is an effective advocate for the future of digital heritage and uses this book to contextualize the evolution of virtual approaches and what they can offer the discipline. His writing style is clear, and though there are times when he over-summarizes his work, this will be useful for those who only plan to read parts of the monograph.'' - David M. Wheeler (2025), Rhea Classical Review

From Photography to 3D Models and Beyond: visualizations in archaeology explores the history of visual technology and archaeology and outlines how the introduction of interactive 3D computer modelling to the discipline parallels very closely the earlier integration of photography into archaeological fieldwork. The incredible potential of interactive 3D computer graphics to provide new insight into cultural change, ancient settlement development, building function, and behavior make virtual heritage a must-use approach, but one that has not been fully grasped. This volume brings together for the first time several key aspects of the history of archaeology: how and where photographs became an indispensable part of excavations; when and for what purposes virtual reality began a similar journey into the field team’s arsenal of documentation, publication, and visualization tools; how the common trajectory of both technologies provides clues for why virtual reality has not yet become as commonplace as photography for archaeological research, teaching, and data dissemination; and how new methods and technologies are poised to revolutionize our understanding of the past.

• | Author: Donald H. Sanders
• | Publisher: Archaeopress
• | Publication Date: Dec 21, 2023
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781803276182
• | ISBN-10: 1803276185