Combined High Resolution Laser Scanning and Photogrammetrical Documentation of the Pyramids at Giza

The aim of the Scanning of the Pyramids Project 2004 was to apply and test latest state-of-the-art terrestrial laser scanners combined with a calibrated digital camera for high accuracy, high resolution and long distance topographic scanning in archaeology. The monuments selected for the first campaign are the Cheops Pyramid and the Sphinx. The data form the basis for a detailed threedimensional modelling of the monuments to show and to test the instrumentation as a general-purpose tool for the documentation and monitoring of standing monuments. This has to be seen as a primary data base for the preservation of the monuments investigated by the method. The combined sensor of a high-performance long-range laser scanner and a calibrated and orientated high-resolution digital camera provides scan and image data. This data can be automatically or semi-automatically processed to generate products such as textured triangulated surfaces or orthophotos with depth information. All the tools developed for image analysis, such as edge detection or signal detection, can be used for direct extraction of 3D content from the combined image data and scan data. The collected data therefore provide a solid and large data base for any further analysis related to scientific problems of the construction, the destruction and decay of the World Heritage Monuments. The data collected are an important extension to the Giza Plateau Mapping Project, and will be made available to the scientific community. 1. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT The Scanning of the Pyramids Project 2004 was invoked as a major scientific project by the Austrian Archaeological Institute Cairo and VIAS-Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science in cooperation with the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Zahi Hawass. The project was directed by Prof. Dr. Manfred Bietak, Director of the Mission and Dr. Wolfgang Neubauer, Field Director. The aim of the project is to apply and test latest state-of-the-art terrestrial laser scanners produced by the Austrian company RIEGL LMS for high accuracy, high resolution and long distance topographic scanning suited also for archaeological applications. Laser scanning has already shown its outstanding advantages in acquiring 3D information on an object’s surface in many archaeological applications within the past few years (Doneus et al., 2003; Doneus & Neubauer, 2004; Doneus & Neubauer, 2005). However, the archaeologist is not only interested in geometrical information, but also in additional information on the object’s surface, i.e. the texture. Integrating a highresolution calibrated camera into a laser scanning system provides a very efficient, convenient, and powerful system for an automatic generation of accurately textured high-resolution 3D models. Thus, the versatile hybrid instrument corresponds ideally to architectural, topographic and archaeological requirements. The data collected in this project form the basis for a detailed three-dimensional modelling of the monuments to show and to test the instrumentation as a major general-purpose tool for the documentation and monitoring of standing monuments. This has to be seen as a primary data base for the preservation of the monuments investigated by the method. The monuments selected for the first campaign are a monumental building, the Cheops Pyramid and a monumental statue, the Sphinx, two types of monuments typical for Egyptian heritage. Table 1 summarizes the key specifications of the system used for the 3D documentation of the Cheops Pyramid and the Sphinx. The three main objectives of the Scanning of the Pyramids project are: The collection of high resolution and high accuracy topographic data for the creation of a digital elevation model of the Giza plateau, a three-dimensional documentation of the Cheops Pyramid and the surrounding, and a three dimensional documentation of the Sphinx. The data collected are an important extension to the Giza Plateau Mapping Project, and will be made available to the scientific community.