Comparative analysis of 3D digitization technologies applied to the MAE-USP amphora collection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31239/amxy2968Keywords:
3D Digitization, Photogrammetry, 3D Scanning, Amphorae, Digital ArchaeologyAbstract
This article presents a comparative evaluation of three-dimensional digitization technologies applied to the study of amphorae from the collection of the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology of the University of São Paulo (MAE-USP), within the framework of the project “Multimodal Analysis of Amphorae from MAE-USP: 3D Documentation and Archaeometric Investigation.” The study examines three complete amphorae and five stamped handle fragments, digitized using active-sensor 3D scanning (Artec Space Spider and NextEngine) and digital photogrammetry, with data processed using Agisoft Metashape and Artec Studio. The analysis is based on quantitative criteria – such as mesh density, acquisition and processing time, and inter-model geometric deviation – and qualitative criteria related to visual fidelity, surface resolution, and archaeological applicability. The results indicate that all approaches produce geometrically consistent models at the submillimeter scale, suitable for morphological and typological analyses. However, significant differences are observed in sampling density, microtopographic preservation, and texture quality. Active-sensor methods demonstrate higher geometric accuracy and better recording of fine details, whereas photogrammetry provides superior chromatic homogeneity and visual resolution, albeit with a tendency toward surface smoothing and increased mesh faceting under certain conditions. Additionally, relevant contrasts are observed in operational efficiency and workflow robustness, particularly regarding the degree of automation and the need for manual intervention. It is concluded that technological choice is not merely instrumental but conditions the nature of the data produced and, consequently, the range of analytical and interpretative possibilities, reinforcing the need for explicit methodological criteria in digital archaeology.
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