The survey of Bodiam Castle: which weapon in the 3D imaging armoury to use?

Copeland, Penny and Cooper, Catriona (2014) The survey of Bodiam Castle: which weapon in the 3D imaging armoury to use? Theoretical Archaeology Group Conference 2014, University of Manchester. 15 - 17 Dec 2014.

Abstract

Different types of 3D imaging techniques have been applied to building archaeology as they have been developed. In recent years people have favoured laser scanning as a method for recording standing buildings as it can sweep through a building quickly and with good detail. In this paper we suggest that this cannot be the end of the story. We now have a range of 3D imaging techniques for recording buildings and we need to look at the where the process of interpretation lies. We can suggest that even though a slower task, a total station survey can be a good alternative. The nature of total station survey encourages onsite understanding and interpretation, producing a detailed knowledge of the building and how it worked. The speed of laser scanning is its benefit, but it reduces interpretation to a very passive view on a computer. Interpreting onsite encourages engagement with the results and can ensure the appropriate level of detail is recorded. There is also room for a more tactile approach to the materials. Here we present a large scale building survey undertaken at Bodiam Castle over three seasons of work. We show how viewing the building at different times of day, in different seasons and from continual movement around the site has allowed for a greater understanding of the structure and fabric of the building.

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