Methodology

Currently hampered by the fact that the four dimensions of urban fabric are routinely reduced to multiple 2D plans in publication, the project offers a new way of enabling scholars to exploit 4D digital data derived from different disciplinary methodologies. Rome Transformed tackles the ancient and early medieval city in its four dimensions, by critically assessing information from standing buildings (above and below the ground) and by tying it together with large-scale geophysical surveys.

In doing so, Rome Transformed develops a Three Tier visualisation methodology that incorporates into unified 3D models information derived from archival research, structural analysis, 3D digital recording, geophysical survey and sampling of deep sedimentary sequences.

The evidence provided by laser scanning, geophysical survey, environmental sampling and archival research is integrated, discussed and incorporated into 3D visualizations and geomorphological models that are offered to debate by a series of targeted workshops and by making the process of 3D visualization reconstruction completely transparent.

As a result, Rome Transformed feeds into the existing management system of the archaeology of Rome (ArcheoSITAR) leading the development of a 3D management system of Rome’s archaeology and developing a methodology that will be applicable beyond Rome, in large scale management of 3D data.

Rome Transformed methodology can be summarised in the following broad actions: 

  1. Data Capture generates the high-resolution raw data essential for the delivery of the project’s objectives Learn more  
  2. Data Integration integrates raw data and develops Three Tier models  that are used as the basis for a series of visualisations of key building complexes in each area Learn more
  3. Provocation uses visualisations to facilitate debate on the form and context of the original buildings and spaces Learn more 
  4. Data sharing implements open access online resources to foster debate Learn more

Ian Haynes, Thea Ravasi