A 3D digital approach for the study and presentation of the Bisarcio site

Recently, 3D-from-photos and close-range photogrammetry have established themselves as important modern technologies in archaeology. Nevertheless, three-dimensional survey has not reached its full potential in the daily work of excavation, as it has been generally restricted to exceptional and monumental cases. The digging of the late- and post-medieval cemetery of Bisarcio, Sardinia, was an opportunity to experiment with 3D survey. After an extensive 3D survey, covering the entire excavation area and duration, 3D models have been used for the documentation and interpretation of the stratigraphy, and, to create a web-based visualization and dissemination tool. The three interconnected steps, of documentation, interpretation, and visualization and dissemination, were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the 3D data in each step, and also to build a complete 3D workflow. The results are promising: with the correct protocol, these procedures may be soon part of the archaeologist's daily routines.