Newport Medieval Ship

Recording

In order to understand a complex object like the Newport Ship, it is important to examine, measure and record details of the size and shape of both the whole ship and its individual components.

To accomplish this task in the field, archaeologists use a variety of tools and technologies, including site drawings, photography, and high-technology survey equipment and photogrammetry.

In the ship centre, archaeologists are creating detailed records of each ship timber and artefact using contact digitizers and laser scanners.

Both of these tools create three dimensional records that are visible in computer aided design (CAD) software. The drawings and scans are accurate and allow archaeologists to document and examine construction features and builder’s marks. Archaeological illustration, a more traditional hand recording technique, is also used to record finely worked objects, whose important, yet minute surface detail might be missed by cameras or laser scanners.