THE ACCURACY REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCES FOR 3D RECONSTRUCTIONS OF THE PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: THE CASE OF AGIOS ANTONIOS CHOMATAS (CRETE)

Abstract. The use of 3D sophisticated visualizations and reconstructions of any preserved architectural remains is becoming more frequent in the modern archaeology. However, it is still not common during the process of reconstruction or recreation of the appearance of any preserved architecture of prehistoric (Bronze Age) Crete. The bad condition of prehistoric sites (the bad preservation of the masonry) or structure is probably the main reason for this state. But let’s look at this problem from the other point of view: what is really necessary for the creation of an ideal 3D reconstruction of such sites, which complies with the up-to-date state of the archaeological and architectural knowledge and uses the modern software? In accordance with our experience and findings we think that for the creation of really good and up-to-date 3D reconstruction only the plan of the site (at least the schematic one), enough of general and detailed photos of the site (but not necessary the photogrammetric model) and architectural features, some photos of the site’s surroundings incl. the Google Earth image and some photos of similar sites and/or structures/architectural features (type of masonry, entrances etc.) are necessary. In case of accepting our findings and principles by the wider academic audience (especially by the archaeologists and architects) the creation of 3D reconstruction could be – as we hope – more commonly used or even become a standard of archaeological publications.