Three-Dimensional Visualization of Geometric Microliths Using Macrophotogrammetry

High-precision three-dimensional scanning of microliths, in contrast to standard ways of documenting, which is photography and graphic illustration, enables studies of such weakly distinguishable features of items as secondary treatment and traces of macro-wear. The authors set the task of creating a high-precision three-dimensional visualization of the main types of geometric microliths, used in the period of the late Pleistocene - early Ho­locene in the Western part of Central Asia, to further identify a series of correlations with synchronous complexes of adjacent territories. The work has resulted in operational testing of the technology of automated three-dimensional macro-photographing using a Cognisys StackShot 3X Virtual Object Creation Kit, scanning of the main types of geometric micro­liths, and creation of their virtual 3D models with outlined key areas of secondary treatment and macro-wear traces.