THE PROGRESS OF SURVEY TECHNIQUES IN UNDERWATER SITES: THE CASE STUDY OF CAPE STOBA SHIPWRECK

Abstract. The experience on a 10-11th century AD cargo of amphoras of the shipwreck of Cape Stoba, in the island of Mljet, in Croatia could be considered an important example to describe the progress of documentation and survey on a shipwreck. In the first part of the paper, we describe some of the used feasible methods of documentation and their advantages and disadvantages. In the second part, we introduce the three-dimensional reconstruction of the items recovered during the archaeological excavation and how these elements could be integrated to the different types of documentation: bi-dimensional plans, three-dimensional coordinates and multi-image photogrammetry.

3D reconstruction allows to decrease and optimize time and work during the excavation and to obtain a complete range of data for post-excavation study, permitting to better document, represent and investigate the position of the cargo. Furthermore, 3D modelling offers an attractive display for the public, who can better appreciate cultural heritage and archaeological evidence.