Using Still Video Camera for Creation of Base-map
for Graphic Documentation

Authors: INGA ZEITLIN, JACQUES NEGUER


Aim of the Method:

1. Cheap and fast method for creating Base-map and graphic documentation.
2. Using small team of trained recorders or even single one to handle the work in a large site.

Equipment:

1. Still - Video Camera Canon ION - PC
2. Computer PC Pentium
3. Software PhotoShop, Free Hand
4. Inkjet Color Printer

Step – By - Step Illustration of the Work Procedure

A. Creating of Base-map
 

1. Taking color photographs in the field.
2. Importing the digital image from the camera into the computer.
3. Digital rectification and mosaicing to complete images.


4. Tracing the image and save the outlines in different TIFF file (Bitmap mode).
5. Tracing the raster image to vector in “Free Hand”. This vector image is already Base-map.
6.Adding on the Base-map different layers with different kind of information (in Free Hand).
7.Save file under the Locus name in the sub-project folder.


SEE EXAMPLE         Creating of Base-map Scheme
B. Geometrical Pattern Recording
1. Take color photographs (35mm regular or digital camera) in the field.
2. Digitizing/importing into the computer (regular photos must be scanned).
3. Digital rectification of the images and mosaicing (if it is necessary) to complete image.
4. Importing the image in Free Hand.
  

5. Freezing the image by closing the layer.
6. Adding one more layer for vector drawing.
7. Create a color library in accordance with original tesserae colors.
8. Outlining and coloring each stone according to the original shapes and colors.

9. Adding data to the document: site name, sub-project, locus number, and identification of pattern.
SEE EXAMPLE
Geometrical Pattern Recording Scheme
Conclusions:

       The method does not provide high quality images of the mosaics, but works in a sufficiently precise manner to enable creation of an outline base-map.
       The low resolution of the camera requires taking pictures from very short distance (1 –1,5 m). The images are being taken from hand without tripod or other special device and after that the big mistakes of perspective distortion and scale factor have to be corrected with the computer. That means that work on the field is very fast and does not requires professional photographic skills, but the work in the office takes longer and requires very good skills in computer graphic design. Part B - Geometrical Pattern Recording partly compensate the lack of high quality images and gives additional possibilities for researching esthetic values and building technology of the mosaics.

Wellcome page   Bibliogaphy
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