I must do it myself, in paper, I mean, no drones or anything like that. Thanks a lot.
Apart from the conventional documentation with transparent sheets outlined by Christian Meyer (in the end you always need a 2D interpretation of your trackways) you should think about making a series of photographs - if possible from above (Nadir) with a ladder, a few scales of different colour and at least two- to threefold overlap between neighbouring photos - so you can calculate a photogrammetric model in a later step or send the data to a cooperation partner to do it for you.
Thanks a lot for the information Jens but in principle I don't have that technology at my disposition. I should do with the analogical method I guess. In my case the area is small, like 20x10 meters, and totally clean, without any tree or rock. There are two trackways of about 7-10 meters length and a maximum of 2 metres width and some lonely footprints.
Hi Alvaro,
Photogrammetry is a good method to take Fotos and make a 3-D-modell. Make many Pictures from different angles (best with a stick or from a Ladder) and look, that the Fotos overlap enough. There is many literature about Photogrammetry of dinosaur tracks.
yours
Angelika
Thanks both of you, I will get classes of photogrammetry this month so I will try!!
Make a map by drawing squaremeter grid with chalk on the surface and then can measure the the midpoints of each footprint. Follow the measurements given in most papers and if you need to make outlines, take transparent plasic sheets and draw the outlines..
Apart from the conventional documentation with transparent sheets outlined by Christian Meyer (in the end you always need a 2D interpretation of your trackways) you should think about making a series of photographs - if possible from above (Nadir) with a ladder, a few scales of different colour and at least two- to threefold overlap between neighbouring photos - so you can calculate a photogrammetric model in a later step or send the data to a cooperation partner to do it for you.
Hi, can you post same photos of track site for understand the situation/geometry of place? Saluti, luca.
Yeah sure, thanks for the interest. From different angles and times of the day. The outcrop dips 20º to WNW.
Helpful advice for the photogrammetry approach can be found in this paper: Article Photogrammetry in Paleontology - a Practical Guide
See the checklist at the end of the paper.
You don't need a ladder for the different angles: a monopod + a camera which can be remotely operated (e.g., by WiFi with your smartphone) are enough and more convenient.
Make all photos during the same light conditions, don't forget a proper scale.
I think the transparent sheets that Christian mentioned are the most suitable method for you. And don't forget to number and overlap the sheets with identical marks on either sheet. And please put a GPS point on every sheet, at least on some of them. You will need them...
As the area is not big, you can try to perform a photogrammetric reconstruction.
Place 3 or 4 markers around the site and measure their position (with gps or traditional geodesy. It will be useful later to scale and place the model). Then take a set of photographs of the site from different angles. You should probably use a ladder to have higher viewpoints. As the surface seems to be relatively flat, 8-10 photos from around should work.
For photogrammetric reconstruction you can use this free software:
https://www.3dflow.net/3df-zephyr-free/
I've just checked it. Created a digital model of an old 3d relief map from only 8 photos in a few minutes.
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