The Use and Application of Photogrammetry for the In-field Documentation of Archaeological Features: Three Case Studies from the Great Plains and Southeastern Alaska

Authors

Michael Chodoronek, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Matthew Douglass

Date of this Version

8-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Arts

Major: Anthropology

Under the supervision of Professor Matthew Douglass

Lincoln, Nebraska, August 2015

Comments

Copyright (c) 2015, Michael Chodoronek

Abstract

This master’s thesis is comprised of two stand-alone technical papers united by a common theme. These papers explore the use and adaptation of a new software program, PhotoScan by Agisoft, and the use of non-traditional photogrammetry as a technique that should be incorporated into standard archaeological field practice. The PhotoScan program allows for rapid and accurate capture of photogrammatic information in a multitude of settings. The studies presented in this thesis were conducted between 2013 and 2015, over the course of which multiple advancements have brought the technology to new heights in the streamlined production of 3D representations of features encountered during the course of field study. The methodology was developed while documenting pit hearths in far-western Nebraska, building foundations and other features in south-central Oklahoma, and rock cairns in southeastern Alaska. These diverse environments necessitate different considerations be made, especially in regards to the possible adverse effects to sites. Combined, these studies demonstrate the versatility and ease with which photogrammetry can be adopted as a regular tool for field documentation of archaeological resources.

Advisor: Matthew Douglass

Note: A high-res (82 MB) version is attached as a related file (below).