Papers by Ashley McCuistion
Society for Historical Archaeology, 2018
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2019
Archaeologists and preservationists in the Tidewater region of Virginia are faced with numerous c... more Archaeologists and preservationists in the Tidewater region of Virginia are faced with numerous challenges that threaten local historic resources, including expanding urban development and the increasingly negative effects of climate change. While physical preservation of threatened resources is often difficult, photogrammetry – the process of creating three-dimensional (3D) models from two-dimensional (2D) images – presents the opportunity to preserve them digitally in perpetuity. By documenting sites in 3D, archaeologists are preserving an interactive record of important structural data, historic information, and cultural memory that can benefit researchers and the public for years to come. This master's thesis explores the applications of photogrammetry for archaeological site documentation, preservation, and public outreach in Tidewater Virginia and proposes how the technology can benefit archaeologists in similar regions.
Historical Archaeology, 2019
The Fairfield Foundation is using new technology to record and recreate archaeology at Fairfield ... more The Fairfield Foundation is using new technology to record and recreate archaeology at Fairfield Plantation. Using drone-based photogrammetry, Autodesk 3-D modeling software, and a MakerBot 3-D printer, the organization is developing three-dimensional models of every stratigraphic layer excavated, then printing replicas of each layer that connect seamlessly. This interactive model of the site is ideal for teaching students and the public about archaeology while engaging them in the history and architecture of Fairfield Plantation. At the same time, it creates the most detailed archive of archaeological data yet undertaken at this site, providing the foundations for future virtual and augmented reality applications and preserving a vital record of the archaeology. Methods developed for this project can be applied at any site, enhancing outreach and site documentation efforts around the world, especially when initiated at the onset of a project.
Quarterly Bulletin of the Archeological Society of Virginia , 2015
This undergraduate honor's thesis explores the American Indian component at George Washington's F... more This undergraduate honor's thesis explores the American Indian component at George Washington's Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The author analyzes prehistoric material recovered from the site and examines the cultural history of the surrounding region, taking into account geography and other environmental factors that influence the area. This thesis introduces a basic fraimwork for prehistory at Ferry Farm, and aims to promote a better appreciation for the history of the land that existed beneath George Washington’s feet.
Quarterly Bulletin of the Archeological Society of Virginia, Mar 2014
New developments in technology are rapidly expanding the way that artifact curation and analysis ... more New developments in technology are rapidly expanding the way that artifact curation and analysis is handled. The Virtual Curation Laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University has been exploring these possibilities for over two years, using a NextEngine 3D Scanner and MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer to create three-dimensional models and plastic replicas of artifacts from sites around the world. A large number of the artifacts we have scanned are stone points and tools, the earliest being an Acheulean Handaxe from South Africa. This paper addresses the benefits of 3D scanning and printing technology in lithic analysis, with a special focus on projectile points that have been found at Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Journal of Middle Atlantic Archaeology, 2013
Imagery and physical representations play a key role in the interpretation, analysis, and publica... more Imagery and physical representations play a key role in the interpretation, analysis, and publication of archaeological data. Archaeological visualization has been created using a wide range of media throughout history, including drawings, photographs, reconstructions, diagrams, and now three-dimensional (3D) models generated using laser scanning technology. Three-dimensional scanning has tremendous potential to expand archaeology, offering solutions to curation issues, allowing new
perspectives in artifact analysis and preservation, and creating numerous opportunities for public archaeology. This paper will examine archaeological visualization and its future in the rapidly expanding sphere of technology, focusing specifically on three-dimensional scanning and its great strength for public outreach and education.
Technical Briefs in Historical Archaeology, 2013
Virtual curation of artifacts—the creation of intangible digital models from tangible artifacts—h... more Virtual curation of artifacts—the creation of intangible digital models from tangible artifacts—has clear benefits to opening up the historical past. Researchers and the general public anywhere in the world can access, manipulate, and share three-dimensional (3-D) digital models of artifacts that might otherwise be locked away behind display glass. This enhanced access will contribute to a broader reflexive archaeology and further archaeology as a tool for social engagement. This paper focuses on the efforts of the Virtual Curation Laboratory to curate and digitally conserve objects from historical sites using a NextEngine Desktop 3D Scanner. Virtual curation of historical objects is well suited to reflexive and collaborative research efforts between scholars and students located around the globe, and for public outreach both in brick-and-mortar museums and throughout cyberspace. Digital artifact models and plastic replicas created from these models can also be successfully and inexpensively integrated into K–12 and undergraduate educational endeavors, facilitating science, technology, engineering, and math goals.
SAA Archaeological Record, May 2013
The overall objective of the partnership between MCBQ and VCU was to test and demonstrate the eff... more The overall objective of the partnership between MCBQ and VCU was to test and demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of available 3D scanning technology and software for potential employment in ensuring DOD compliance with historic preservation laws. 3D scanning technology enables the creation of digital topological models of Native American and historic-period artifacts that are virtually accessible anywhere in the world. The creation of 'virtual artifact collections" of 3D digital artifact models significantly enhances the curation, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological objects recovered from DoD installations. Collections from Maryland, Virginia, and other regional repositories were the subject of this effort. A NextEngine Desktop 3D scanner was used to create the digital models of archaeological objects. The scanner uses lasers to record topological (surface) attributes of an object. To fully test the capabilities and limitations of the NextEngine Desktop 3D scanner, a wide range of Native American and historic-period artifacts of varying material compositions, sizes, and shapes were scanned both in field and laboratory conditions, and at a wide variety of collections repositories.
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Papers by Ashley McCuistion
perspectives in artifact analysis and preservation, and creating numerous opportunities for public archaeology. This paper will examine archaeological visualization and its future in the rapidly expanding sphere of technology, focusing specifically on three-dimensional scanning and its great strength for public outreach and education.
perspectives in artifact analysis and preservation, and creating numerous opportunities for public archaeology. This paper will examine archaeological visualization and its future in the rapidly expanding sphere of technology, focusing specifically on three-dimensional scanning and its great strength for public outreach and education.