From Pots to Polygons: A Methodological Framework for the 3D Documentation and Visualization of Classical Antiquities

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As part of the Digital Heritage Research Colloquium, Prof. Dr. Matthias Lang from Bonn Center for Digital Humanities will present a lecture titled “From Pots to Polygons: A Methodological Framework for the 3D Documentation and Visualization of Classical Antiquities.”

Abstract:

This presentation presents a comprehensive workflow for the 3D documentation of Greek pottery and sculpture, covering the entire data lifecycle from acquisition to sustainable archival. We use photogrammetry and structured-light-scanning to generate metrically accurate, high-resolution digital surrogates, combining geometric data with colour-calibrated photography for authentic material representation. These models form the basis for scholarly derivatives. Physically Based Rendering (PBR) is used to simulate material properties like the gloss of ceramic slips or the translucency of marble, enabling the creation of photorealistic renderings and scaled profile drawings that enhance traditional academic publications.
The models are also optimized for immersive virtual environments, where they facilitate interactive, 1:1 scale comparative studies of artefacts from disparate collections. The entire workflow is underpinned by a robust research data management strategy. Rejecting the limitations of ephemeral web viewers, we commit to the persistent archival of the complete dataset—including raw data and final models—in the Bonndata institutional repository. This ensures long term accessibility and scholarly reuse through a persistent identifier (DOI), establishing a verifiable foundation for future research.

The lecture takes place on Thursday, 04 December 2025, at 18:00 c.t., in Lecture Hall A119, LMU Main Building, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1.

Flyer Download: Dr. Matthias Lang Public Lecture (PNG, 5,624 KB)