High-resolution documentation, 3-D modeling and analysis of "desert kites"

Reuma Arav, Sagi Filin, Uzi Avner, Guy Bar-Oz, Amnon Nachmias, Dan Malkinson, Dani Nadel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Using terrestrial laser scanning technology we create high-resolution 3-D models of wild ungulates' archeological large-game drives (desert kites) and demonstrate how the collected data can be utilized to conduct spatial and architectural analyses. Visual reconstructions show in great detail how kites were constructed according to geographic and topographic settings and how they were set to maximize prey capture. The models are used to simulate how a kite was operated and especially how it appeared from the hunted animal's perspective. The models also serve as a useful tool for detecting macro and micro construction details, and as a platform for an array of intra- and inter-kite comparisons in different geographic landscapes. Finally, they provide the basis for future documentation of archaeological structures in arid environments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)302-314
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Archaeological Science
Volume57
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2015

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Excavations were carried out behalf of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa, license no. S-5/2008 (Israel Antiquities Authority) and permit of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. The project was generously supported by the National Geographic Society (grant No. 8325-07 ). Our thanks are also due to Tamar Orr-Gat, Reuven Yeshurun, Kyryll Kezwik, Anna Avshalomov, David Hadash, Boris Rozenman and other students for their assistance in fieldwork. We also thank Asaf Holzer and Hanan Ginat for their hospitality.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

Keywords

  • 3-D models
  • Desert kites
  • LiDAR scanner
  • Wall volume

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Archaeology
  • Archaeology

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