USE OF NON-PROFESSIONAL UAV VIDEO SEQUENCES FOR THE 3D MODELLING OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES BY SFM TECHNIQUES

This paper presents two examples of use of amateur video sequences for the 3D modelling of objects in Archaeology. The described case studies refer to the important archaeological sites of Cahuachi (Peru) and Tiwanaku (Bolivia), where the DICAM Dept. of the University of Bologna operated in past years with a surveying activity that involved the application of different geomatic techniques: 3D scanning of findings and structures, georeferencing of satellite imagery and geophysics works, GNSS surveying, etc. Within this framework, the paper proposes to investigate the potential of re-using non-professional aerial video sequences of these locations, acquired by means of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) by passionate about photography or simple tourists and freely available on YouTube platform. The aim is obtaining 3D models and mapping of these sites by SfM (Structure from Motion) techniques, after a careful management of the video files and in integration of other geomatic datasets. In the paper, the two analysed case studies are described, with particular attention to the characteristics of the videos, to the used software and to the solutions adopted for the georeferencing of the obtained products, like 3D models and orthophotos.

This paper presents two examples of use of amateur video sequences for the 3D modelling of objects in Archaeology. The described case studies refer to the important archaeological sites of Cahuachi (Peru) and Tiwanaku (Bolivia), where the DICAM Dept. of the University of Bologna operated in past years with a surveying activity that involved the application of different geomatic techniques: 3D scanning and image-based surveys of findings and structures, georeferencing of satellite imagery and geophysics works, GNSS surveying, etc. Within this framework, the paper proposes to investigate the potential of re-using non-professional aerial video sequences of these locations, acquired by means of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) by amateur photographers or simple tourists, freely available on YouTube platform. The aim is obtaining 3D models and mapping of these sites by SfM (Structure from Motion) techniques, after a careful management of the video files and in integration with other geomatic datasets. In the paper, the two analysed case studies are described, with particular attention to the characteristics of the videos, to the used software and to the solutions adopted for the georeferencing of the obtained products, like 3D models and orthophotos.