**3. Results**

There were several thematic maps elaborated for the Cucuteni-Baiceni Ravine, emphasizing its dynamics. The morpho-graphic and morpho-metric maps were built on the basis of the 3D scans (Figure 12), which were further used as basis for the spatial yearly analysis of the ravine. In this case the erosion and accumulation sectors were outlined on the walls of the ravine or on the bottom of the cut (Figure 13, 14). The measurements included three consecutive years: 2008, 2009 and 2010.

The Cucuteni Ravine was extremely active during the years 2008-2010, due to the high frequency of torrential rainfall. The selected site can be regarded as representative for the whole Moldavian Plateau, as its relief energy is high and the loess deposits of its subbasement are very friable [16, 58].

Along the gullying processes, the monitoring could include also the gravitational processes, such as landslides (Figure 15). Due to the loess subbasement and the general deforestation in the Moldavian Plateau, large tracts of farmlands are subject to large-area landslides [62, 64]. As in the case of gullying, the landslides can be scanned successively, monitoring the reference points in order to assess the dynamics of the phenomenon. In the present paper, the case of Holm Hill, near the village of Habasesti (Iasi County), presents a complex situation due to the presence of an archaeological site (Cucuteni culture). The application of the 3D scan-based analysis proved to be salutary, as the combined derivates produced using the point-cloud enabled a successful monitoring of the interest area. The use of 3D graphic modeling software (3D Studio Max) resulted in the creation of models useful for studying the topography and planimetry of the prehistoric settlement. All the modeling processes were based on the available archaeological data and the tridimensional model produced by scanning (Figure 16).

**Figure 12.** Making the morphologic map of the Cucuteni-Baiceni Ravine

**3. Results** 

consecutive years: 2008, 2009 and 2010.

subbasement are very friable [16, 58].

scanning (Figure 16).

cartographic material was provided by the Military Topography Directorate in Bucharest. The orthophoto maps and the military maps dating from WW II were supplied by the

**Figure 11.** The model used for volume calculation for the eroded and transported material (50 m grid)

There were several thematic maps elaborated for the Cucuteni-Baiceni Ravine, emphasizing its dynamics. The morpho-graphic and morpho-metric maps were built on the basis of the 3D scans (Figure 12), which were further used as basis for the spatial yearly analysis of the ravine. In this case the erosion and accumulation sectors were outlined on the walls of the ravine or on the bottom of the cut (Figure 13, 14). The measurements included three

The Cucuteni Ravine was extremely active during the years 2008-2010, due to the high frequency of torrential rainfall. The selected site can be regarded as representative for the whole Moldavian Plateau, as its relief energy is high and the loess deposits of its

Along the gullying processes, the monitoring could include also the gravitational processes, such as landslides (Figure 15). Due to the loess subbasement and the general deforestation in the Moldavian Plateau, large tracts of farmlands are subject to large-area landslides [62, 64]. As in the case of gullying, the landslides can be scanned successively, monitoring the reference points in order to assess the dynamics of the phenomenon. In the present paper, the case of Holm Hill, near the village of Habasesti (Iasi County), presents a complex situation due to the presence of an archaeological site (Cucuteni culture). The application of the 3D scan-based analysis proved to be salutary, as the combined derivates produced using the point-cloud enabled a successful monitoring of the interest area. The use of 3D graphic modeling software (3D Studio Max) resulted in the creation of models useful for studying the topography and planimetry of the prehistoric settlement. All the modeling processes were based on the available archaeological data and the tridimensional model produced by

ANCPI (The National Agency for Surveying and Real Estate Publicity) in.

**Figure 13.** Cross-section through the Cucuteni-Baiceni Ravine, with the indication of the 2008 and 2010 measuring sessions (erosion only)

Use of Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanner in Cartographing and

Monitoring Relief Dynamics and Habitation Space from Various Historical Periods 61

**Figure 16.** The prehistoric site of Habasesti following point-cloud processing

**Figure 17.** The channel of Trotus river at Onesti (30 m grid)

The 3D scans are also instrumental in monitoring the riverbanks and in analyzing the dynamics of the riverine valleys and channels (Figure 17). The most useful measurements include the lateral erosion, especially at flood times, as well as the accumulation processes along the riverbed and at river-mouths. In the latter case, the measurements should be taken at much shorter intervals, as the accumulation and erosion processes can affect the navigation. It is recommended that the measurements be carried out after each flash-flood. In this case, the riverbank and riverbed processes can be successfully monitored, especially the thalveg ones.

The steep riverbaks are easier to monitor, particularly in the case of highly friable subbasements (Figure 18, 19). The spasmodic character of rivers in the Moldavian Plateau bestows a high level of dynamicity to their channels. The solid alluvia of the eastern Romanian rivers are volumetrically high, while the geomorphologic processes result in bank-collapse and large accumulations. The use of a large palette of colours in process-

**Figure 14.** Cross-section through the Cucuteni-Baiceni Ravine, with the indication of the 2008 and 2010 measuring sessions (erosion and accumulation)

**Figure 15.** Landslide on the Habasesti-Holm (50 m grid)

**Figure 16.** The prehistoric site of Habasesti following point-cloud processing

measuring sessions (erosion and accumulation)

**Figure 15.** Landslide on the Habasesti-Holm (50 m grid)

**Figure 14.** Cross-section through the Cucuteni-Baiceni Ravine, with the indication of the 2008 and 2010

The 3D scans are also instrumental in monitoring the riverbanks and in analyzing the dynamics of the riverine valleys and channels (Figure 17). The most useful measurements include the lateral erosion, especially at flood times, as well as the accumulation processes along the riverbed and at river-mouths. In the latter case, the measurements should be taken at much shorter intervals, as the accumulation and erosion processes can affect the navigation. It is recommended that the measurements be carried out after each flash-flood. In this case, the riverbank and riverbed processes can be successfully monitored, especially the thalveg ones.

**Figure 17.** The channel of Trotus river at Onesti (30 m grid)

The steep riverbaks are easier to monitor, particularly in the case of highly friable subbasements (Figure 18, 19). The spasmodic character of rivers in the Moldavian Plateau bestows a high level of dynamicity to their channels. The solid alluvia of the eastern Romanian rivers are volumetrically high, while the geomorphologic processes result in bank-collapse and large accumulations. The use of a large palette of colours in process-

modeling may increase the accuracy of interpretation of the hydro-geomorphologic phenomena, as it outlines the erosion and accumulation areas, the wetter or drier layers, the finer or coarser grained strata, etc.

Use of Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanner in Cartographing and

Monitoring Relief Dynamics and Habitation Space from Various Historical Periods 63

**Figure 20.** Bucsani archaeological site – during the archaeological excavations (1 m grid)

**Figure 21.** The walled town of Ibida – the archaeological excavations (200 m grid)

The 3D scanning on archaeological sites applies not only to the excavation area but to the location and tracking of finds as well. The most remarkable results were achieved in the field of architectural reconstruction of the built space. The Romanian territory conceals a veritable archaeological treasure, with several hundreds of major sites. In spite of this richness, most of the excavation projects are still at the level of intention or slow startup.

In a first phase, we carried out the measurements required to outline the features of a tell (ex: Tangaru) (Figure 22). To delineate the excavation stages and to accurately locate the finds, several successive scans are carried out on the site, as is the case of the sample

**Figure 18.** Detail of Dofteana river banks – 1 (10 m grid)

**Figure 19.** Detail of Dofteana river banks – 2 (10 m grid)

One of the first uses given to the 3D scanner was the study of archaeological sites. As such, the excavations and the tracking of the finds were recorded accurately in time and space (Figure 20, 21). The archaeological use of the 3D scanner included the sites of Bucsani, Ibida, the tells of Harsova, and Tangaru, the walled town of Ulpia Traiana and the defensive ditch of Silistea, Neamt County. For the future, we plan to monitor in this way all the archaeological excavations in Moldova and Dobruja.

Use of Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanner in Cartographing and Monitoring Relief Dynamics and Habitation Space from Various Historical Periods 63

**Figure 20.** Bucsani archaeological site – during the archaeological excavations (1 m grid)

62 Cartography – A Tool for Spatial Analysis

finer or coarser grained strata, etc.

**Figure 18.** Detail of Dofteana river banks – 1 (10 m grid)

**Figure 19.** Detail of Dofteana river banks – 2 (10 m grid)

archaeological excavations in Moldova and Dobruja.

One of the first uses given to the 3D scanner was the study of archaeological sites. As such, the excavations and the tracking of the finds were recorded accurately in time and space (Figure 20, 21). The archaeological use of the 3D scanner included the sites of Bucsani, Ibida, the tells of Harsova, and Tangaru, the walled town of Ulpia Traiana and the defensive ditch of Silistea, Neamt County. For the future, we plan to monitor in this way all the

modeling may increase the accuracy of interpretation of the hydro-geomorphologic phenomena, as it outlines the erosion and accumulation areas, the wetter or drier layers, the

**Figure 21.** The walled town of Ibida – the archaeological excavations (200 m grid)

The 3D scanning on archaeological sites applies not only to the excavation area but to the location and tracking of finds as well. The most remarkable results were achieved in the field of architectural reconstruction of the built space. The Romanian territory conceals a veritable archaeological treasure, with several hundreds of major sites. In spite of this richness, most of the excavation projects are still at the level of intention or slow startup.

In a first phase, we carried out the measurements required to outline the features of a tell (ex: Tangaru) (Figure 22). To delineate the excavation stages and to accurately locate the finds, several successive scans are carried out on the site, as is the case of the sample

research stage at the tell of Harsova, on the right bank of the lower course of Danube (Figure 23). The outstanding importance of the Harsova tell resulted in its close and adequate monitoring, as well in its promotion on the international heritage scene.

Use of Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanner in Cartographing and

Monitoring Relief Dynamics and Habitation Space from Various Historical Periods 65

known contemporary Roman towns. The tridimensional image can help in filling the unknown areas and in the clarification of certain issues of urban zoning (Figure 24). The complete image

of a settlement is useful in carrying out a succesfull synchronic comparative study.

**Figure 24.** The walled town of Ulpia Traiana in Orastie Mountains (30 m grid)

**Figure 25.** Silistea, Neamt County – the defensive ditch (30 m grid)

monitoring of the cultural landscape.

On the archaeological site of Silistea (Neamt County), the 3D scanning was directed on the defensive ditch of the settlement (Figure 25), making important contributions to the

**Figure 22.** The morphologic features of the tell of Tangaru (during the data-modeling) (50 m grid up, 5 m grid bottom)

**Figure 23.** The tell of Harsova, on the right bank of the Danube (5 m grid)

The 3D scans carried out at the site of the ancient walled town of Ulpia Traiana in the Orastie Mountains unveiled a large and well-provisioned urban settlement, au par with the better known contemporary Roman towns. The tridimensional image can help in filling the unknown areas and in the clarification of certain issues of urban zoning (Figure 24). The complete image of a settlement is useful in carrying out a succesfull synchronic comparative study.

64 Cartography – A Tool for Spatial Analysis

m grid bottom)

research stage at the tell of Harsova, on the right bank of the lower course of Danube (Figure 23). The outstanding importance of the Harsova tell resulted in its close and adequate

**Figure 22.** The morphologic features of the tell of Tangaru (during the data-modeling) (50 m grid up, 5

The 3D scans carried out at the site of the ancient walled town of Ulpia Traiana in the Orastie Mountains unveiled a large and well-provisioned urban settlement, au par with the better

**Figure 23.** The tell of Harsova, on the right bank of the Danube (5 m grid)

monitoring, as well in its promotion on the international heritage scene.

**Figure 24.** The walled town of Ulpia Traiana in Orastie Mountains (30 m grid)

On the archaeological site of Silistea (Neamt County), the 3D scanning was directed on the defensive ditch of the settlement (Figure 25), making important contributions to the monitoring of the cultural landscape.

**Figure 25.** Silistea, Neamt County – the defensive ditch (30 m grid)

The architecture and art history benefit also from the 3D scanning, which opens new directions of research for them. In this regard, the scans are useful for studying the relation between a statue and its environment (Figure 26) or the makings of a building (Figure 27, 28) (on the small scale), or for analyzing the center of a city (on the large scale) (Figure 29).

Use of Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanner in Cartographing and

Monitoring Relief Dynamics and Habitation Space from Various Historical Periods 67

**Figure 28.** The Cantacuzino Palace, in Bucharest – the final product

**Figure 29.** Iasi city-center (10 m grid)

**Figure 26.** Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza statue, in Union Square, Iasi (2 m grid)

**Figure 27.** The Cantacuzino Palace, in Bucharest (5 m grid)

**Figure 28.** The Cantacuzino Palace, in Bucharest – the final product

**Figure 29.** Iasi city-center (10 m grid)

The architecture and art history benefit also from the 3D scanning, which opens new directions of research for them. In this regard, the scans are useful for studying the relation between a statue and its environment (Figure 26) or the makings of a building (Figure 27, 28) (on the small scale), or for analyzing the center of a city (on the large scale) (Figure 29).

**Figure 26.** Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza statue, in Union Square, Iasi (2 m grid)

**Figure 27.** The Cantacuzino Palace, in Bucharest (5 m grid)

The 3D scanner is also an instrumental aid in designing the land networks (Figure 30): forestry roads, county and national roads and motorways, or other land-based facilities: ski tracks, bobsleigh courses, golf fields, power, gas and oil transport networks, etc.

Use of Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanner in Cartographing and

Monitoring Relief Dynamics and Habitation Space from Various Historical Periods 69

*Departament of History, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Romania* 

*ARHEOINVEST Platform, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Romania* 

event. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences 9: 365-372.

Newsletter an Rock Art (INORA) 41: 25-29.

We extend our thanks to the Geo-archaeology Laboratory within the Faculty of Geography and Geology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, which provided the instruments

[1] Abellan A, Vilaplana JM, Martinez J (2006) Application of a long-range terrestrial laser scanner to a detailed rockfall study at Vall de Nuria (Eastern Pyrenees, Spain). Eng.

[2] Abellan A, Jaboyedoff M, Oppikofer T, Vilaplann JM (2009) Detection of millimeric deformation using a terrestrial laser scanner: experiment and application to a rockfall

[3] Barnett T, Chalmers A, Diaz-Andreu M, Ellis G, Longhurst P, Sharpe K, Trinks I (2005) 3D Laser Scanning for Recording and Monitoring Rock Art Erosion. International

[4] Bauer A, Paar G, Kaltenbock A (2005) Mass Movement Monitoring Using Terrestrial Laser Scanner for rock Fall Management. In: van Oosterom P, Zlatanova S, Fendel E M, editors. Geo-information for Disaster Management. Berlin: Springer. pp. 393-406. [5] Bitelli G, Dubbini M, Zanutta A (2004) Terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry techniques to monitor landslide bodies. In: Altan M O, editor. Proceeding of the XXth ISPRS Congress Geo-Imagery Bridging Continents. Istanbul:

[6] Bouike M, Viles H, Nicoli J, Lyew-Ayee P, Ghent R, Holmlund J (2008) Innovative applications of laser scanning and rapid prototype printing to rock breakdown

[7] Bryer A (2003) Technologie pour le leve des mouvements historiques. La photogrammetrie digitale comparee au laser Scanner 3D. Levee de l'Arc d'Auguste, a Aoste, en Italie, Memoire pour le titre d'ingenieur diplome par l'etat en batiments et travaux publics, geometrie et topographie. Paris: Conservatoire National des Arts et

http://www.esgt.cnam.fr/documents/dpe/ memoires/03\_Bryer\_mem.pdf. Accessed 2011

[8] Kottke J (2009) An Investigation of Quantifying and Monitoring Stone Surface Deterioration Using Three Dimensional Laser Scanning. University of Pennsylvania

http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1126&context=hp\_theses.

experiments. Earth Surface Processes and Landforma 33: 1614-1621.

Cotiugă Vasile

Asăndulesei Andrei

**Acknowledgement** 

**5. References** 

and carried out the data-processing.

Geol. 88(3-4): 136-148.

ISPRS. pp. 246-251.

Metiers. 81 p. Available:

Accessed 2011 Nov 6.

Scholarly Commons. Available:

Nov 23.

**Figure 30.** Road-building in Rarau Mountains (Suceava County) (50 m grid)
