An Integrated Spatial Information System for the Development of the Archaeological Site of Mycenae

Digital and automated photogrammetric methods and procedures developed for the collection and management of spatial data have been well introduced on archaeological applications. The use of terrestrial laser scanning systems provides new capabilities for 3D visualization of the present situation of a site. Recently, special tools in Spatial Information Systems (SIS) and management systems of virtual world models (VR) have been developed. Their combination can provide relevant scientists and users with a variety of possibilities for the creation of integrated systems capable for documentation, restoration and cultural development of archaeological monuments and sites, with: the detailed 3D documentation of the present condition of the site, the development of a multi-purpose SIS and the introduction of modern digital products at a local museum, such as 3D representations, creation of virtual environment, Web applications. Application of these techniques and systems was made to the archaeological site of the Mycenae, one of the most important sites worldwide. Photogrammetric procedures and laser scanning were used for the data collection. Airphotos were taken by helicopter and a large number of terrestrial photos by analogue and digital cameras. Orthophoto production for the site and detailed 3D vector restitutions, horizontal plans, facades and sections were made. In addition 3D views of vector data and textural scenes were produced by automated procedures. The development of the SIS is based not only on the data and products of the photogrammetric processing, but also on various other data sources, as the structure of the system contains historic, archaeological, architectural and technical information, with texts, digital images (recent and old pictures, old graphic representations etc.), video, 2D or 3D views plans, 3D representations of particular parts of the site, visualization of tour paths. The establishing of a local museum at the Mycenae is one more challenge for applying phorogrammetric procedures, object modelling techniques with laser scanning, texture mapping, 3D representations, VR applications and Web-related issues. The paper investigates all these possibilities in relation with the data of the particular archaeological site concerning the information supply, the difficulty in demonstrating moveable findings of great value, which are exposed in other museums, and also the knowhow and the financial parameters.