Terrestrial laser scanning for the documentation of an at-risk buffalo jump (EgPp-26) in south-central Alberta
Date
2017-01
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Abstract
This paper reports on the use of ground-based LiDAR (terrestrial laser scanning—TLS) to digitally capture a buffalo jump site located in south-central Alberta (EgPp-26). We discuss how the resulting digital data can be used to create accurate 3D reconstructions and how the application of these high-resolution geospatial datasets can be used for quantifying analyses. Accurate measurements can be taken directly from TLS datasets for use in mapping, as well as 3D visualization of geoarchaeological data. Furthermore, the acquisition of multiple TLS datasets over time can be used to quantify morphometric change and erosional processes impacting archaeological sites. Analytical data from TLS scans can help document often understudied aspects of geoarchaeological processes and facilitate new interpretations at archaeological sites. This technology was rapidly deployed at the Wearmouth Buffalo Jump for the purposes of documentation, monitoring, and digital preservation. The resulting datasets provide a lasting digital record of the site, as it appeared in September of 2016 and 2017. As natural disasters such as flooding and wildfire increase in frequency, we conclude that reality-capture technologies, such as terrestrial laser scanning, are effective tools for monitoring, managing, and preserving heritage resources.
Description
Keywords
buffalo jump, Archaeology, laser scanning, Great Plains, Heritage Monitoring, Erosion Monitoring, lidar, terrestrial laser scanning, ground-based lidar, TLS, Geoarchaeology
Citation
Pennanen, K., Dawson P. C., & Leyden, J. J. (2017). Terrestrial laser scanning for the documentation of an at-risk buffalo jump (EgPp-26) in south-central Alberta. "Archaeological Survey of Alberta occasional paper", 37, 73-81.