Rock art as microtopography. Issue 5 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jalandoni, Andrea; Kottermair, Maria
• Is Part Of: Geoarchaeology. Volume 33:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 579
• Page End: 593
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: engravings -- GIS -- Philippines -- rock art -- structure from motion 3D; Archaeological geology -- Periodicals; 930.1028
• DOI: 10.1002/gea.21677
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-6353

Abstract

Abstract: Structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry and geographic information system (GIS) tools were used to document an engraving site in Bontoc, Philippines. The natural discolorations of the rock obfuscated the engravings rendering traditional recording methods ineffective. Using a GIS software not only highlighted the engravings by applying an algorithm, but also allowed for a pioneering way to digitally trace and classify motifs, resulting in a spatially linked database. The digital tracings were also compared with manual tracings and proved to be more accurate. The database was then quantitatively analyzed for the seminal inventory of the rock art of Alab, Bontoc. This combination of SfM photogrammetry and GIS tools introduces a cost‐efficient method to effectively enhance, document, and analyze engraved rock art.