This paper will present the first results of a new approach to recording and visualising archaeological excavations using integrated 3D and Harris Matrix data entry, query and visualisations tools. Accurate records of stratigraphie sequences in an archaeological excavation are crucial for post-excavation analysis. Traditional recording techniques capture 2D or 2.5D surface plans ofstratigraphic units. Relationships between units are recorded and the sequence is visualised as a 2D abstract model, the Harris Matrix. Several software tools have been developed to assist in this task, replacing earlier time-consuming and error-prone paper-based methods. Recent progress in photogramtnetry and other 3D recording techniques has also made it po.ssible to visualise excavated layers in a 3D space. Computer technology has thus developed to incorporate photogrammetric models, enabling archaeologists to view and analyse excavations within the 3D world in which they work. A review of existing tools has shown that whilst each approach to visualising excavated layers has particular strengths, individually they do not provide a level ofunder.itanding that is required for a 'complete picture \ A computer generated Harris Matrix diagram is essential for understanding stratigraphie relationships, whilst a 3D model is extremely effective for the visual comparison of the form and structural relationships of these layers. We conclude that 2D abstract models and 3D views provide different, but complementaiy, benefits in the analysis of an archaeological excavation. For archaeologists to significantly benefit from both of these tools, we believe that linked 2D and 3D views should be available This paper describes a first attempt to provide such linking. Two tools providing suitable visualisations are the jnet graph tool and the Stratigraphie Visualisation Tool (STRAT). Jnet is a 2D Harris Matrix tool that allows the user to analyse stratigraphie relationships between layers and manipulate data. The STRA T tool is a 3D world in which archaeologists can navigate and explore in detail the layers of an excavation. The integration tool uses XML to communicate between jnet and STRAT providing a standard description method to facilitate the data exchange. XML is the native data format for jnet, so it provides seamless software mapping between the two tools. Import aitd export software incorporated within both STRAT and jnet transforms and stores this data in a structure suitable for exchange between the 2D (jnet) and 3D (STRAT) applications. The result of this software solution is a flexible composite software tool allowing t^vo different views of a site, which archaeologists can use to model, view and analyse their excavations more effectively A test excavation was carried out in Sagalassos (Turkey) in the summer of 2004. After documenting and registering the .stratigraphie data on site, it was entered into the new tool. Sections of a Harris Matrix, such as a particular trench, can be viewed to establish relationships between strata. Navigation in 3D within a trench permits viewing from all angles and replaying through the stratigraphie sequence. The results, presented in this paper show the high potential of this approach for future archaeological research.
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