Terrestrial Laser Scanning with Potentials and Limitations for Archaeological Documentation: a Case Study of the Çatalhöyük

Abstract

The evolution of digital technologies has impacted the documentation of cultural heritage. One of the steps that have passed considerable change is maybe the stage of data collection field. Today many different technological tools may be found at affordable prices. The suitable method for cultural heritage documentation should be chosen considering the needs of research, analysis and conservation. There is no definite way in order to determine which survey technique is the most suitable one in any situation. Digital photogrammetry, total station, GPS, texture mapping, laser scanning techniques are mostly preferable when high accuracy needed and can be supported by traditional tools like rectified photographs and stereophotogrammetry. In recent years, laser scanningshows great versatility for capturing any type of shape and speed of data acquisition. However in some cases, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) can have some limitations. In this study, Çatalhöyükarchaeological area was documented with TLS and experiences were shared as potentials and limitations of TLS for archaeological documentation.