Introduction to Photogrammetry
Heritage Week Event 2022
B. Doherty
Galway Community Archaeology Project and Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo presented an Introduction to 3D Photogrammetry at Coláiste Naomh Éinne, Kilronan in August 2022 in association with Heritage Week. Bernie Doherty was accompanied by Sinéad Ní Ghabhláin,, Dave Pollack and Jo Moran. The group got an insight into the possibilities of promoting and creating awareness around their archaeological sites and monuments. Bernie Doherty gave examples of how various funding opportunities recently assisted communities throughout the county in improving access, preparing management plans and conservation works at sites and monuments.
Options for funding
The Communities Monuments Fund and The Heritage Council Community Grant Scheme are two options for groups and communities looking to fund local projects. Examples of 3D photogrammetry were shown. This is a process of taking many individual photographs and piecing them together through a technological app to create 3D models of objects, sites and monuments. It can assist in identifying previously unknown features, or difficult to read inscriptions. The Galway 3D Project was highlighted.
Excavations at Mainistir Chiaráin
Sinéad Ní Ghabhláin provided an overview of the Early Medieval site of Mainistir Chiaráin and an account of her excavations there in the 1990s. She explained that she is preparing the excavation results for publication and is updating the site record through the use of photogrammetry to map the site features and to record and create 3-D models of the standing cross-inscribed pillar stones and cross slabs at the site. She is interested in the relationship of two nearby cillín sites to Mainistir Chiaráin. She invited the community’s input in investigating these sites.
Community Excavations
Dave Pollock and Jo Moran worked on a community excavation at Gallow’s Hill, Dungarvan under the Adopt a Monument Scheme. They were able to share their experience of working with communities and showed how community involvement can be fun, interesting and produce results.
Site Visits
A site visit to Máinistir Chiaráin, the holy well known locally as Tobar an Bhradáin and the site
known as an Atharla certainly piqued interest and raised a few more questions amongst the group. Individuals within the group shared their stories, customs and family traditions associated with each site. It is hoped that the group shall develop, and with the assistance of Galway Community Archaeology Project be in a position to further their knowledge and appreciation for other sites on Aran.
Thank you
Sincere thanks to Sean and Mairtín who organised access to sites on the day and provided invaluable knowledge of family customs. Also, my gratitude to Mick who not only provided IT back up assistance, also drove us around during our time there, allowing us more time at each location.
Galway Community Archaeology Project is funded by Galway County Council and The Heritage
Council.
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