Archival Photogrammetry Guidelines Recommendations

This project focusses on digital 3D documentation recording. It outlines how to record, what to record, and how to submit the data recorded. The associated printed guide provides clear directives around the technical recording of terrestrial built heritage and archaeological heritage through passive and active sensing techniques.

Jacinta Bauer is an archaeologist at Heritage Victoria. She holds a Bachelor of Archaeology and Bachelor of Science from La Trobe University. She has over seven years of experience working in Victoria with both historical and Aboriginal cultural heritage places. She previously worked as a project archaeologist on a range of large and small scale urban projects in Melbourne CBD and surrounds. From both a consultancy and statutory approval background she has a sound understanding of archaeological and heritage management, as well as the statutory obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2016 and the Heritage Act 2017. In her current position Jacinta manages the gazettal and mapping of historical archaeological sites, as well as places added to the Victorian Heritage Register. She ensures compliance with archaeological approvals, and has worked to improve several processes within Heritage Victoria such as better spatial data management.

Yazid Ninsalam is a landscape architecture academic at RMIT and a geospatial environment designer at McGregor Coxall. He previously worked as a landscape architect for the National Parks Board and served as Council Member in the Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects. He was conferred a doctoral degree in architecture by the National University of Singapore and was a researcher at the Future Cities Laboratory, established by ETH Zurich and Singapore National Research Foundation.

Brian Armstrong is a professional archaeologist and has worked as a subcontractor for over 20 years. During this time, he has gained extensive field and management experience in both Aboriginal and historic archaeology in Australia having worked in different roles in several states. Brian completed a PhD from La Trobe University in 2019 specialising in 3D recording techniques developing a range of skills in photogrammetry, laser scanning, 3D GIS and geophysics. Recently he has been employed as a photogrammetrist working in close collaboration with archaeological teams on several development sites undergoing archaeological excavation in Victoria. He has recently taken up a role at the University of Melbourne as a Research Fellow examining indigenous engineering in the UNESCO world heritage listed Budj Bim cultural landscape.

Christopher Bellman is Honorary Professor of Geospatial Science at RMIT University and has 40 years of experience in photogrammetry, geographic information sciences and spatial data structures. His professional affiliations include Member, Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute, Australia (SSSI), Past President, Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute, Australia (SSSI), Member, Institution of Surveyors, Australia (ISA). His qualifications include a BAppSc VIC, MAppSc RMIT and GradDipPhotogrammetry RMIT.

Dr Katherine Thomas is a registered Heritage Advisor under Section 189 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and a registered Chief Remote Pilot with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). She has over 25 years of experience within natural and cultural resource management as an educator, consultant, and a researcher. She holds two honorary Research Fellow appointments (Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Melbourne; Department of Archaeology and History, La Trobe University). In addition, she is passionate about Indigenous engagement and the change to renewable energies within her role as the GIS and Heritage Lead for Flotation Energy (State of Victoria’s Energy Innovation Fund supported offshore wind energy developer).

• Garfield Waterwheel
• Specimen Gully Gold Memorial
• Welsh Mining Village

An area of approximately 5000m2 was surveyed. The aim was to capture the main waterwheel structure (Approximately 6.8m in height) as well as much as the surrounding water channel or water race as possible.

Aerial Photogrammetry Flights were used to capture a larger area around the main structure as well as detailed shots of the top of the structure to augment ground-based photogrammetry. Close-range Photogrammetry (Nikon D850 with 35mm lens). A ground-based survey was conducted of the main water wheel structure, using a survey route around the outside and into the middle. Terrestrial Laser Scanning Laser scanning of the structure and water channel to the east of the main structure (Phase-based and Time-of-flight scanners). This channel was heavily overgrown and not suitable for photogrammetry. Georeferencing Differential Global Positioning (DGPS) survey of aerial targets were used. Aerial targets were placed strategically across the site to provide a strong georeferencing framework and coordinating using rapid-static differential GPS.

Two georectified 200MB .FBX files were generated for submission to VIC3D. One of the larger surrounding areas and a secondary more detailed one of the waterwheel structures. In addition, georectified orthomosaics and high-resolution point clouds are available for viewing.

The condition of the cottage is deteriorating with the tin roof over the main kitchen area having collapsed at one end. There is also no roof on top of the remaining building which is open to the elements. The structure is approximately 3.5m in height necessitating drone imagery for the overhead portion of the cottage. The aim was to capture the cottage and architectural details such as the fireplaces and wall construction. The area covered by the survey was approximately 450m2.

Aerial Photogrammetry (DJI Mavic pro 2 and DJI Phantom Pro 4). Flights were used to capture the top of the cottage with additional oblique photos to augment ground-based photogrammetry. Close-range Photogrammetry (Nikon D850 with 35mm lens). A ground-based survey was conducted of the cottage by completing an initial route around the cottage and then a more detailed survey of the rooms. Terrestrial Laser Scanning Laser scanning of the structure was conducted as a backup and to augment photogrammetry data if needed. Georeferencing Differential Global Positioning (DGPS) survey of aerial targets.

Two georectified 200MB fxb files were generated for submission to VIC3D. One of the larger surrounding areas and a secondary more detailed one of the cottages. In addition, georectified orthomosaics and high-resolution point clouds are available for viewing.

This site extends over a large distance and contains the remnants of several buildings, a stamper battery, and several areas of mining tailings. The key challenge was the size of the site combined with dense tree coverage. Several of the remaining structures could be captured completely with ground-based photogrammetry without the need for additional aerial data. The main features such as the stamper battery and the western portion of the site. The aim was to capture as many of the individual buildings and site settings as possible given the constraints. As such different strategies were employed.

Aerial Photogrammetry (DJI Mavic pro 2 and DJI Phantom Pro 4 and an eBee fixed wing drone). Flights were used to capture the extent of the site and used to infill areas where no ground-based photogrammetry was possible. Close-range Photogrammetry Ground based survey was conducted on the smaller outlying buildings e.g., Structures D, G, E and F. Terrestrial Laser Scanning Laser scanning of the area and several of the structures was conducted to capture the larger area and augment or replace photogrammetry data if needed. Georeferencing Differential Global Positioning (DGPS) survey of aerial targets.

Several georectified 200MB .FBX files were generated as a submission to VIC3D. One of the larger surrounding areas and several of individual structures within the complex. It is planned that a larger point cloud or a flythrough will be available for viewing in the future.

Techniques should be carried out based on two approaches

The first approach is a feature-based approach that involves the determination and selection of features based on the significance of a heritage or archaeological element of a larger site.

The second approach is a phased-based approach that involves the close coordination between an archaeological team and a 3D recording specialist.

The most important factor in deciding which approach to use for a specific project is the ‘fit for purpose principle’, whereby the approach and the correct use of a technique is defined by the need of the project with outputs appropriate to achieving these aims.

Once an appropriate 3D recording method for a specific circumstance is selected, the scope and size of the survey area in question should be determined.

Larger buildings or large areas typically require aerial photogrammetry for effective site recording

Smaller areas, or areas subject to development or subsurface impacts, are areas where terrestrial photogrammetry may be the most cost effective and practical method available to practitioners.

In all situations, it is important to record the heritage place in its entirety, the site and its context in Country.