Jarlshof December Site Visit

This photo taken by Kieran Duncan © 2011 shows me taking pole aerial photography sequences at Jarlshof near Sumburgh Head, Shetland. Although we were only on the island for three days the weather was kind and allowed for extensive photography to hopefully use for photogrammetry later. The close proximity of Sumburgh airport to Jarlshof restricts kite flying although my hope is that pole aerial photography will be suitable for capturing most of the site.



The winter conditions were visually pleasing in many ways with a dusting of snow bringing out the topography of the Norse part of the settlement (below, right). The benefits of an elevated view are immediately obvious at this site where features such as the curve of the broch wall (below, left), obscured by later structures and erosion, are difficult to make out on the ground.



A very satisfying first visit to the site which has left me with around 13,000 frames to work with towards digital reconstruction. Enough to keep me busy until my next visit!

Best wishes for the winter solstice and 2012!

Shell Photogrammetry Sub-Millimeter Test

This shell measures 27mm long and was processed into the 3D model below using macro photography and photogrammetry. This loop fades between true colour combined with artificial light, then grey topography and back again.



I was careful to light the surface in such a way that the shadow of the camera would be clear for all of the positions needed. The shell was supported with a pin and bluetac, visible at the base. This test was designed to explore the potential of these techniques for recording archaeological artifacts.

PAP and Photogrammetry Test at Ardestie

This test was derived from a series of pole aerial photographs. It shows the original colour projection, the topography under rendered lighting, and the two combined to artificially light the scene. Although not as polished as the Tealing test this was an experiment in the use of PAP for photogrammetry.

Jarlshof - Impressions of a 4000 Year History

I am working on this series of drawings and photo-montages in order to plan out angles of view as well as to study the colours and atmospheres which I will be looking to create in the digital reconstruction. These may also serve as a starting point for further archaeological consultation, I suspect that many of the details here will turn out to be woefully inaccurate.



Drawing is a good way to study the site and in this case I am increasingly aware of complexity of the chronology at Jarlshof, with buildings from different eras often built on top of one another.