COLLINS, DOERING, AND CARR

INTEGRATED SPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES 173

 

 

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Figure 16. Digital Terrain Model (DTM) produced from the sca’
and lines of previously examined linear hole patterns depicted.

printing equipment to produce highly accurate models and exact
reproductions of the site at a variety of scales and perspectives.
These technologies offer an economical] means of capturing and
modeling the data, which can be used for on or off-site interpre-
tation and documentation (Weisman and Collins 2003). Web
site development, including digital media files and video
documentation of the scanning process has been produced with
data and information collected from surveys and excavations
(Florida Division of Historical Resources n.d.). Scan images
and multi-media representation of the site can be used in a
variety of ways to enhance visitor experience through the
development of kiosks, interpretives, and other public heritage
presentations.

In the case of the Royal Palm Circle documentation, the
HDDS stands as the most detailed spatial record documentation
of the feature. The virtual digital preservation, along with more
traditional field sketch maps and photographs, is all that
remains for future analysis and comparison, as the feature is
now obscured by the Metropolitan Miami development (Figure
22). On-going work and analysis by ACHI and Robert Carr will
utilize the HDDS to visualize and understand the complex
terrain and modifications to the landscape through time.

Robert Carr:
Comments and Observations from an End-User

The challenge for the archaeologists and technicians
conducting the compliance project on portions of the Miami
Midden #1 including the Royal Palm Circle, was how to
efficiently create an accurate and effective record of the

 

   

n data. North and south medial axis lines have been added,

significant features while under the severe time and financial
constraints that characterize many salvage-oriented projects.
Prior to the involvement of the University of South Florida
researchers, conventional transit and compass mapping tech-
niques were used to record the Royal Palm Circle and associ-
ated excavation areas. These maps were created by field
archaeologists and a professional surveyor. The maps focused
on the principal cut holes and basins that characterize the circle
and other terrain features, but other minor or smaller holes were
omitted from some of the drawings. The conventional methods
alone were incapable of capturing the complexity of the
limestone bedrock terrain in its entirety. In contrast, the maps
generated with the laser scanning data captures the intricacy of
the site’s features in extreme detail and accuracy. The precise
renderings allowed for comprehensive, indepth analysis.

In the case of the Miami Circle, the conventional maps
made prior to USF researcher involvement were largely artistic
interpretations. These maps offered an easily understandable
display of features, but lacked accuracy of details and dimen-
sions. The surveyor’s data and benchmark positions provided
locational control at both the circles, giving a degree of
dimensional accuracy. These data, however, simplified the
basin hole shapes into schematic forms that could be mislead-
ing. Laser mapping, by comparison, provided a precise and
accurate rendering of the true form and dimensions of the
specific features and other “background” features (both natural
and cultural). The scan data provided consistent visual continu-
ity allowing the observer to compare the greater landscape with
the smaller site elements.

It is estimated that the cost of the conventional and manual