Computer Visualization and Architectural Reconstruction: An Image of Reality

Some archaeologists have rightly criticized the tendency of computer-based visualizations to be driven by the need to demonstrate advanced graphic techniques, rather than by archaeological considerations" [17, p.2]. An accurate representation of an archaeological site depends on the quality and completeness of the archaeological data. In the absence of complete site and historical documentation, the modeling of these historic sites can be a response to the demands for website content, VR worlds, instructional video, and CDROMS rather than accurate representation. This paper expands the discussion of methods for modeling significant archaeological sites to include the limitations of data, data interpretation, application software, and hardware and display devices. As illustration, the computer reconstruction of the temple site in Phimai, Thailand will serve as a specific case study to highlight many of the issues faced during the an architectural reconstruction project. Issues of time scale, geometric representation of form, and image resolution of surface detail will be discussed. A second goal is to consider the needs of government departments, ministries and museums to promote tourism and stimulate museum attendance. Finally, some recommendations will be given to enhance the communication process between computer modelers and archaeologists that may help guide future efforts. Background This paper documents the creation of a computer model of a temple site in Phimai, Thailand. A United Nations World Heritage site, this walled complex of reconstructed temples, libraries and ancillary structures is considered the most important Khmer monument in Thailand. Located 60 km south of the modern capital of Nakhon Ratchasima (Korhat), Phimai was a center of royal patronage of Suryavarman II (1113-1150) and Kauavarymam VII (1181-1219). The site was first inventoried by Aymonier in 1901. Documentation of the site continued under Philippe Groslier, the last French conservator of Angkor. Thailand’s Fine Arts Department under the auspices of Prince Yachai Chitrabongse completed the reconstruction from 1964 to 1969 [20, pp. 33, 233]. Visitors today have a unique opportunity to experience a complex of temples in various states of reconstruction. Adjacent to the site, the Phimai Museum contains many of the artifacts and architectural sculptural elements that were retrieved. A plan to promote the site through the use of an educational video and website was the impetuous behind the creation of the computer model. In the summer of 1999, the author created a simple computer model of the site. The test model was used to generate images, animations, QTVR panoramas, and interactive VR worlds, which would form the basis of a multimedia presentation. During the fall of 1999 a site visit was conducted to collect data and discuss the scope of the modeling effort with the Museum staff at Phimai and Dr. Walter