Photogrammetric survey and spatial recording of settlement features at al-Jumayil (Jordan). 3D terrain model, DEM, orthographic map, and ground plan

Abstract

This paper discusses the modality of the digital surface documentation of the archaeological site of al-Jumayil during the 2021 excavation campaign organised by the Institute of Classical Archaeology of the University of Vienna. A digital terrain model encompassing an area of 23,783.4 m² was created using the photogrammetric range imaging technique SfM (Structure from Motion). It is based on 12,983 orthographic photographs. The resulting high-resolution 3D model – a snapshot in time displaying the current condition of the visible structures related to historic al-Jumayil – laid the foundation for further off-site data processing. In addition to the three-dimensional model, a digital elevation model (DEM), a georeferenced orthographic map, and a ground plan containing all visible wall structures of the settlement was produced from the collected data. This case study aims to present the in-field application of a systematic photogrammetric approach used as a fast and accurate tool for mapping an archaeological site step-by-step in two and three dimensions within a topographic survey.