Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Earth & Environmental Systems

First Advisor

Alex Elvis Badillo

Second Advisor

Jeffery Stone

Third Advisor

Brooke L. Drew

Abstract

The use of Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry in archaeological projects is entering a period of transition; a method of producing 3D data that is traditionally embraced as tool for documentation is being explored for its analytic potential. One such way SfM photogrammetry can be used analytically is through the calculation of volumes using photogrammetric data. The tools exist for archaeologists to be able to create and quantify volumetric models; however, the discourse on these methods is still so new there is no consensus on the best method for conducting volumetric work. Different methods of creating and isolating volumetric space have been investigated and applied to test trenches and larger scale archaeological projects. The two most discussed methods of volumetric reconstruction concern the 3D point cloud analysis software CloudCompare and the popular mesh editing software Blender. SfM photogrammetry data collected in the Summer of 2024 during excavations at the Pompeii I.14 Archaeological Research Project will be used to compare the two methods of reconstructing volumes with respect to deviation, reproducibility, efficiency, and scalability. The outcome of this project has the potential to promote the accessibility and best practices of volumetric workflows and showcase the optimal contexts to which they can be applied.

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