Articles by Nicola Lapacciana

Pottery studies are traditionally linked to methods of surveying and manual documentation of ceramic material. Only recently have they been impacted by the introduction of many auxiliary digital tools (digital cameras, 3D modelling software, etc.) in the last two decades. This contribution presents our preliminary results regarding one of the most recently utilised tools in ceramological studies, the Laser Aided Profiler (LAP). We applied this tool to analyse pottery from the archaeological site of the Byzantine neighbourhood near Pithyon in Gortyn, Crete (GQB). LAP has proved very effective in speeding up the on-site digitalisation of pottery drawing. During this experience, however, we were also faced with a new series of difficulties, trying to push the LAP to its limits. The drawing of complex shapes or specific textures was somehow unsuitable for the instrument. We intend to delve into the empirical methods and practices adopted in the early stages of approaching the use of LAP in GQB, exposing problems and expectations for its use by studying the different types of Gortyn materials.

In the last couple of years, as part of the archaeological project ‘Uomini e Cose a Vignale’ several tests were conducted, focused on fast and effective methods for the graphic and photographic documentation of the archaeological excavation. This paper presents three case studies, which have produced promising results. All of these were conceived and carried on in order to be based on cost-effective and straightforward procedures, which can be further experimented by other research groups. The final outputs are both sufficiently precise and adequate for the online sharing. The first case study focuses on developing an effective pipeline, based on UAV and 3D modeling, and easy enough to allow every member of the excavation team to carry on autonomously the documentation of its excavation area. The second case study has been aimed at 3D modeling of archival data in order to increase their informational potential. The third case study consisted in the elaboration of a high-definition photoplan of a wide (9x3 m) late antique mosaic. The proposed case studies show that the use of sustainable and low-cost procedures and tools leads to the production of graphic and photographic documentation maintaining good quality standards and suitable for communication purposes.