Computer-Aided Visualisation of Archaeological Caves
William I. Sellers, Robert E. Orton, Andrew T. Chamberlain · 2004
Introduction Historically the two most important methods of communicating the appearance and shape of a cave are cave surveying and cave photography, topics which have been widely reviewed elsewhere (Hatherley et al. 1987; Ellis, 1988; Stoddard, 1994; Wookey, in prep.). Computer-aided visualisation can use both these techniques as starting points to produce alternative ways of presenting the spatial information. These visualisations can be reproduced in print often allowing a greater degree of clarity or a more three-dimensional feel than can easily be achieved with the traditional methods. Alternatively, when reproduced electronically they can allow the viewer to interact directly with the visualisation which enhances interest and greatly improves the illusion of representing three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional plane. Some virtual-reality techniques can allow a directly perceivable threedimensional representation which is the ultimate goal when trying to convey the appearance of a complex cave structure.