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Lost in Space : 3D modelling, visualisation and analysis techniques for ground-penetrating radar data in 3D GIS

Hulmanová, Martina LU (2026) ARKM34 20261
Department of Archaeology and Ancient History
Abstract
Archaeology and archaeological sciences are inherently spatial disciplines. Thus, it is of no
surprise that GIS (Geographic Information System) has found its way into archaeological
practice, providing an environment for data organisation, analysis and visualisation. Over the
past few decades, archaeogeophysics has become an integral part of archaeological practice.
The results of these studies are traditionally examined in a 2D GIS environment, utilising 2D
polygons, even though the targeted features are 3D structures. Despite the recent shift
towards 3D GIS environments, the interpretations of geophysical prospections have
remained in the realm of bi-dimensionality. This prevents the full exploitation of the 3D
potential,... (More)
Archaeology and archaeological sciences are inherently spatial disciplines. Thus, it is of no
surprise that GIS (Geographic Information System) has found its way into archaeological
practice, providing an environment for data organisation, analysis and visualisation. Over the
past few decades, archaeogeophysics has become an integral part of archaeological practice.
The results of these studies are traditionally examined in a 2D GIS environment, utilising 2D
polygons, even though the targeted features are 3D structures. Despite the recent shift
towards 3D GIS environments, the interpretations of geophysical prospections have
remained in the realm of bi-dimensionality. This prevents the full exploitation of the 3D
potential, especially of ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
In this thesis, three modelling approaches are presented, derived from two different
concepts. The proposed framework was tested on data from the archaeological site in Blera,
Italy. On one hand, the polygon model is derived from polygons created during the standard
geophysical interpretation process. Thus, the model does not represent the subsurface itself
but rather an interpretation of it. The processing time is just a couple of seconds. On the
other hand, the cube and mesh models are derived from the GPR point cloud filtered by
amplitude strength, creating iso-surfaces. They visualise certain portions of the ground with
chosen properties. As the cube model can have a long processing time, the mesh model is an
alternative modelling technique for larger datasets. All three models were successful at
visualising linear features.
These models are analysed in a 3D GIS environment, focusing on spatial, statistical and
exploratory approaches. The utilisation of different symbologies facilitates the
understanding of models´ properties. Combinations of the models with a digital terrain
model, as well as depth slices, provide a topological context for the models and information
about the modelled anomalies. Modelling and analysing GPR in 3D poses an advance for
both academia and commercial archaeology by improving the assessment of excavation
logistics. Moreover, the balance between cultural heritage management and land
development is facilitated. Lastly, the models can be used for public outreach through
interactive exhibitions. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Hulmanová, Martina LU
supervisor
organization
course
ARKM34 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Ground-penetrating radar, 3D modelling, 3D GIS, cultural heritage management
language
English
id
9247081
date added to LUP
2026-07-14 09:44:31
date last changed
2026-07-14 09:44:31
@misc{9247081,
  abstract     = {{Archaeology and archaeological sciences are inherently spatial disciplines. Thus, it is of no 
surprise that GIS (Geographic Information System) has found its way into archaeological 
practice, providing an environment for data organisation, analysis and visualisation. Over the 
past few decades, archaeogeophysics has become an integral part of archaeological practice. 
The results of these studies are traditionally examined in a 2D GIS environment, utilising 2D 
polygons, even though the targeted features are 3D structures. Despite the recent shift 
towards 3D GIS environments, the interpretations of geophysical prospections have 
remained in the realm of bi-dimensionality. This prevents the full exploitation of the 3D 
potential, especially of ground-penetrating radar (GPR). 
In this thesis, three modelling approaches are presented, derived from two different 
concepts. The proposed framework was tested on data from the archaeological site in Blera, 
Italy. On one hand, the polygon model is derived from polygons created during the standard 
geophysical interpretation process. Thus, the model does not represent the subsurface itself 
but rather an interpretation of it. The processing time is just a couple of seconds. On the 
other hand, the cube and mesh models are derived from the GPR point cloud filtered by 
amplitude strength, creating iso-surfaces. They visualise certain portions of the ground with 
chosen properties. As the cube model can have a long processing time, the mesh model is an 
alternative modelling technique for larger datasets. All three models were successful at 
visualising linear features. 
These models are analysed in a 3D GIS environment, focusing on spatial, statistical and 
exploratory approaches. The utilisation of different symbologies facilitates the 
understanding of models´ properties. Combinations of the models with a digital terrain 
model, as well as depth slices, provide a topological context for the models and information 
about the modelled anomalies. Modelling and analysing GPR in 3D poses an advance for 
both academia and commercial archaeology by improving the assessment of excavation 
logistics. Moreover, the balance between cultural heritage management and land 
development is facilitated. Lastly, the models can be used for public outreach through 
interactive exhibitions.}},
  author       = {{Hulmanová, Martina}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Lost in Space : 3D modelling, visualisation and analysis techniques for ground-penetrating radar data in 3D GIS}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}