Paper short abstract:

The use of digital modeling within archaeology is becoming increasingly important. This paper illustrates the advantages of an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from fields including 3D modeling, animation, digital video and music technology.

Paper long abstract:

The use of digital modeling within archaeology is becoming increasingly important. This paper discusses the advantages of an interdisciplinary heritage science approach, drawing from fields including 3D modeling, animation, digital video and music technology, illustrated by a project focused on creating a digital model of Stonehenge. It looks at the quality of digital models that are currently available, and discusses techniques available that increase realism and accuracy. It investigates how in this project LIDAR surface data, laser scans of individual stones, photographic texture mapping and acoustic models as well as weather, astronomical and lighting condition simulation, have been brought together to create an immersive interactive experience and high-resolution digital video examples. It discusses the processes and technical issues involved.

The paper illustrates how such models can be used to illustrate various possible site orientations, to provide a phenomenological and experiential exploration of a site, and to provide non-destructive virtual visitor access. It discusses the advantages of involving professionals from a number of fields, and situates this discussion within a theoretical framework, proposing that an interdisciplinary approach to multimedia experimental archaeology is vital in a post- and 21st century existence. It theorises a model approach to such digital interpretation, discussing both the storytelling techniques illustrated here, and further approaches such as complex interactivity, 3D TV and projection, 3D printing, and character creation. It asks what role such virtual (and inevitably somewhat conjectural) projections of the past have in archaeology.