THE NEW THREE-DIMENSIONAL VISUALIZATION METHOD OF HERITAGE SITES BY LIDAR DATA

Abstract. We introduce a new visualization method for the three dimensional data with laser scanning from helicopter to express of the detailed landscape with "Red Relief Image Map (RRIM)"and "3D-Viewer". This RRIM and 3D-Viewer’s method effectively represent 3D topographic information without any additional devices and stereopsis ability for the audience only through two dimensional medium and shows an appropriate form of every feature in the site. Chapters present what the laser scanning from helicopter is and show some examples of mounded tombs with RRIM and 3D-Viewer.

This visualization technique including detailed topographical information and geographical coordinates can be directly linked to CAD and GIS system, therefore the LiDAR can easily produce a contour line, a cross section and a bird's-eye view at any place as well as measure the height of trees.

This is different from other 3D topographic image with a shadow effect. Vegetation on the site is no longer obstacle to get detailed topographical information. Therefore, in Japan, this method is useful for huge mounded tombs thickly covered with trees, especially "Ryo-bo (imperial tomb)"which are administrated by the Imperial Household Agency and common people can't enter. Also a cluster of small mounded tombs which extend in the vast area called "Gunshufun" is shown effectively for the location of each mounded tomb. This method is suitable for understanding the structure of the sites in any wide spread archaeological fields.

Moreover, in the management of heritages it is important that these data present precise information of the surface of lands to understand the present situation of heritages. Detailed topographical information by "LiDAR and Red Relief Image Map and 3DViewer" will open a new gate for managing of cultural heritage sites in the future.