GATEWAY INTO THE PAST:
PHOTOGRAMMETRIC DOCUMENTATION OF
THE ARCH, LABNA, YUCATAN, MEXICO

Abstract by
Lawrence G. Desmond, Ph.D.


Abstract
Convergent-line photogrammetric documentation of the Arch at the archaeological site of Labna  was carried out in 1977 in order to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this type of photogrammetric methodology for use by non-specialists working to document both Maya and Colonial buildings in Yucatan.

The great number of steps in convergent-line drawing systems require time and experience to learn in order to produce detailed field survey information, and drawings. Without the application of standard survey procedures and practices by the development of protocols, the accuracy of the results will vary greatly.

As a survey process convergent-line photogrammetry is in its infancy, but with increased computing power, advances in this software are inevitable. However, in the meanwhile, work needs to be done in process protocols to establish technical procedures and methods for fieldwork when convergent-line photogrammetry is used by non-specialists.

Drawing of Arch west facade using PhotoModeler software

Full text of paper:

Gateway  into the past:  Photogrammetric documentation of the Arch, Labna, Yucatan, Mexico.  In, Luis Barba P. (ed.), Antropología y Técnica, IIA, UNAM, Vol. 7, pp. 55-66, 2003.  Authored by Lawrence G. Desmond,  Patrick Collins, Tomas Gallareta N., and James Callaghan.