Mapping the ancient ruins of Petra using Pix4D technology

Archaeologists in Petra, Jordan used PIX4Dcatch in a study aimed at investigating and documenting the details of the world-famous Nabatean ruins. Thanks to a unique collaboration between the French Institute for the Near East (IFPO), the Free University of Brussels and the University of Lausanne, Pix4D provided important technical support to the “Adoration of the Standing Stones” project in Petra, Jordan.

“Standing stones, known as “bethirs,'' were very important symbols for the Nabataean people, representing the power of their gods and ancestors. This ancient culture built the historic city of Petra, famous for its iconic rose-colored architecture. Among its notable structures is the well-preserved Qasr al Bint temple, believed to have been built around 30 B.C.,” said Kentucky Geographical Information Officer Kent Anes. “Archaeologists working at this site used PIX4Dcatch to document their excavations and capture data to record and study ancient architecture and artifacts.”

This archaeological mission was a collaborative effort that combined the expertise of two teams led by Dr. Patrick Michel and Dr. Laurent Torbecq. Within Mr. Solbeck's team, Dr. Michelin Kurdi, IFPO's archeology architect and researcher, worked closely with his Pix4D's Dr. Matthew Devoe, who provided support from the inception of the project through to post-processing of the photogrammetry data. We collaborated with.

Dr. Ryan Hughes from the Pix4D team also played a key role. He operated from Switzerland and conducted a demo session for Michel, who transported the device to Jordan.

Terrestrial 3D scan

The PIX4Dcatch app turns your mobile device into a 3D scanner that can capture intricate details. When combined with a compatible RTK device, it provides a convenient, agile, and portable alternative to recording geolocation data compared to traditional methods such as total stations. Traditional methods require heavy and delicate equipment to be transported to and from the site every day, but with PIX4Dcatch all you need is a smartphone or tablet that you already have on hand.

Securing NTRIP service providers in Jordan was the biggest challenge due to the limited availability of services in the region. Access to the NTRIP network is critical to RTK as it facilitates accurate data capture. After much searching, I finally connected with Al-Mutaz Surveying Instruments. Al-Mutaz Surveying Instruments has gone above and beyond to serve us.

Another challenge they faced was terrain, such as structures in the mountains that are difficult to georeference and niches that are difficult to capture in deep canyons.

Photogrammetry workflow for archeology

After DeVoe's two-day demonstration in the field, archaeologists began successfully using PIX4Dcatch in the field, collecting more than 50 datasets covering a variety of subjects. These datasets produced a wide range of outputs, with a focus on orthomosaics.

The team started by downloading the PIX4Dcatch app and connecting compatible RTK devices to achieve centimeter-level accuracy. They then simply use their smartphone to scan the archaeological data, which is then uploaded to PIX4Dcloud or PIX4Dmatic for processing and accurate analysis, documentation, and mapping of the artifacts and sites being investigated. Reconstructions are now incredibly simple, accurate and easy to perform.

Kurdy said his team found the PIX4Dcatch workflow to be extremely beneficial to their research and appreciated the responsiveness and assistance provided by the Pix4D team.

Digitization of archeology

One of the goals of this project is to use digital tools to study the history of Petra through the excavation, documentation, and analysis of the sacred courtyard of Qasr Al Bint. They hope to better understand the history and evolution of the site and improve procedures for recording, researching, and digitally restoring religious artifacts such as stelae, rock niches, and Bechir exhibits.

“PIX4Dcatch greatly helped in the study of standing stone worship in the Nabataean environment during the October 2023 campaign. The lightness of the workflow and the connection with the RTK system enabled us to capture religious monuments in several locations in Petra. in a short amount of time,'' said Micheline Kurdi, an architect and researcher at the French Institute of Near Eastern Archaeology.

Compared to traditional methods, PIX4Dcatch's terrestrial mobile scanning approach combined with RTK devices has great appeal for users such as archaeologists and geomorphologists. Its advantages lie in its lightweight and agile nature, which is particularly beneficial in sites like Petra, which are characterized by difficult terrain with steep steps and sudden elevation changes, as well as RTK-assisted precision.