WORKFRAME FOR CLOSE-RANGE PHOTOGRAMMETRY DOCUMENTATION OF AN 11KM LONG ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION, AL AIN, UAE

Abstract. Over a six-month period from late January to early August 2021 the Historic Environment Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi carried out archaeological monitoring along 11.5km stretch project renew existing border fence between United Arab Emirates Oman within oasis city Al Ain.The scope sequence construction determined excavation recording methodology employed. The trench was roughly straight-sided, 3.5m wide by 3–4m deep entailed machine more than million cubic meters. Documentation this trench, which proceeded at an average distance 80m day, has informed our understanding landscape, identified locations for future work assisted ongoing efforts manage protect historic environment. produced new data on development landscape Ain, UNESCO World Heritage property. Some most significant features revealed include monumental stone tomb Late Bronze Age (2000–1300 BCE), extensive Iron (1200-300 BCE) cemetery, high-status tombs Pre-Islamic date (300 BCE–300 CE) 50 ancient aflāj or underground water channels various dates techniques construction, with evidence distinct phases agriculture.Photogrammetry sessions numbered nearly three hundred in total, together creating series consecutive overlapping 3D models ortho-rectified images plan section have been each zones route.This paper discusses practice workframe as it evolved over course project, challenges found during acquisition phase terms environment, lighting, geometry, tools, time team size. It presents system used digital archive needed keep track 288 recorded photogrammetry sessions, related ground control points survey. available solutions rapid processing delivery geo-referenced generated throughout project. concludes some general remarks peculiarly linear challenge presenting results long both hard-copy formats.