Study of a wreck in foreshore context

Abstract

We present the study of a wreck, in a foreshore area, in the North of Brittany, France, using two different digitization methods, photogrammetry and laser scanning. The digitization process had to deal with the tide constraints. The 3D data produced using these technologies has been deployed in a large immersive infrastructure dedicated to virtual reality research, in order to propose new practises for archaeologists. The overall purpose of our research project is to define an innovative and efficient methodology for the study and preservation of cultural heritage in an inter-tidal context. In the inter-tidal context, heritage is really fragile and the risk of destruction is real (storms, erosion, coastal development...). The traditional methods are no longer efficient. This paper describes preliminary results, through the joint work of a research institute specialized in underwater archaeology, a research laboratory of archaeology and archaeosciences, and a research laboratory in computer science.