Photogrammetry eLearning

Learn at your own pace how to take photos, process them and create 3D models of archaeological artefacts and sites. Get tips from the professionals about how to undertake this task above or below the water. While the course is online in delivery, you'll finish with practical skills in how to take photos and turn them into photogrammetry models and to use them to monitor and identify archaeological sites.

Thanks to a grant from Historic England, the NAS has spent two years developing the course. It includes nine modules that have been created by three experts in archaeological photogrammetry – Simon Brown from Deep3D, Martin Davies from InDepth Photography and Brandon Mason from the Maritime Archaeology Trust.  Working with the experts, and with an award-winning eLearning developer, the NAS has designed a step-by-step interactive course including two data sets for learners to build 3D models in two different software packages.

Note: Anyone can complete this theory course, but to create the 3D models participants will require reasonably new computers with AMD or Nvidia graphics card. MACs will only be able to use one of the two recommended photogrammetry programmes.

The course costs £50.00 (payable via PayPal - not you do not need your own PayPal account to book) and will take 4-6 hours in one sitting, but can be completed at your own pace because you will have access to the entire course for one year from registration.

NAS members will earn 5 credits towards their qualification upon completion of this course.

Sign up on our Moodle Learning Management System here: online booking here

-----

This course has been generously supported by a grant from Historic England

-----

Still not sure if eLearning is for you? We do offer an option to still undertake practical courses in photogrammetry. More information here.

-----

What does the eLearning course include?

Module 1: DEVELOPMENT AND USES OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN ARCHAEOLOGY

The first module aims to introduce the student to the history of photography and how it has been used in archaeology in the past and its many used in archaeology today.

-----

Module 2: INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAMMETRY

In this module students are introduced to the concept of photogrammetry and its development and learn about the outputs and uses of photogrammetry in archaeology.

-----

Module 3: EQUIPMENT

In the third module learners discover that just about every camera can be used for photogrammetry. The module discusses the merits of each of them from smart phones to DSLR’s. Students will also look at computer hardware and software required to process their data. Finally the module also looks at additional equipment that might be needed, including lighting and scales.

-----

Module 4: PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS AND TECHNIQUES

In the fourth module learners look at camera choice and settings to help ensure that images are suitable for a photogrammetry survey.

 -----

Module 5: SURVEY PLANING FOR PHOTOGRAMMETRY

In this module students look at how to plan a photogrammetry survey of a site or object. This includes underwater, foreshore or an aerial survey. The learners are introduced to the concept of flightpaths, angles and the use of control points and scales.

 -----

Module 6: PROCESSING YOUR DATA

Module 6 is when learners are guided through how to process a set of photographs using Metashape and Meshroom software.

 -----

Module 7: AVOIDING ERRORS

In module seven learners are taught how to avoid, review and correct common mistakes made during a photogrammetry survey.

 

 -----

Module 8: OPTIMISING OUTPUTS & PUBLISHING RESULTS

In this module the course explores how students can optimise their photogrammetry outputs and the  vast array of ways in which 3D data can be used, helping learners to get the most of their surveys.

 

 -----

Module 9: MONITORING ARCHAEOGICAL SITES

In the final module of the course learners are shows how photogrammetry can be a powerful tool for archaeological monitoring of maritime sites and features and has a range of applications, approaches and audiences for their outputs.

 -----