Predicting Buried Archaeological Heritage in a 3D Environment—Modelling the Urban Subsurface Using Voxels

Abstract

This study uses the medieval city of Odense, Denmark, to explore the potential of voxel-based modelling for archaeological heritage management in urban environments. The article highlights the challenges urban development poses to buried cultural heritage and the limitations of current monitoring techniques. By integrating recent and legacy archaeological and geological data, the study demonstrates the advantages of voxel models over traditional 2D and pseudo-3D models. Voxel models provide a more accurate representation of the volume and preservation state of cultural layers, allowing for better assessment and management of archaeological deposits. The findings reveal that modern construction activities significantly affect Odense's subsurface, diminishing the volume of preserved cultural layers. The study highlights the importance of systematic data collection and the need for better accessibility and interoperability of archaeological and geotechnical data. Recommendations include digitising analogue records and establishing national databases to enhance data sharing and preservation efforts. Overall, we advocate for adopting voxel-based modelling as a standard practice in heritage management, emphasising its potential to enhance the preservation and understanding of urban archaeological deposits.