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3-D digital mapping of the early hominid site of gladysvale cave, South Africa

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Human Evolution

Abstract

Gladysvale, a dolomitic cave located near Johannesburg, South Africa, has yielded in the last few years several thousand Plio-Pleistocene mammalian remains, including some hominid teeth and phalanges. The site consists of four large cave chambers, one of which has been heavily eroded and exposed to the surface. During the field seasons of 1996 and 1997 the cave complex was mapped 3-dimensionally using a laser theodolite. Preliminary graphics allowed a direct control of the mapping process in the field. The topographic structure of the site was reconstructed to a digital terrain model and can now be embedded in a comprehensive Geo-Information System (GIS). Mapping the complex topography of a cave site with many overlapping parts is a challenge; as there exists no algorithm for 3-dimensional triangulation, each overlapping surface has to be triangulated separately. A 3-D model, however, is necessary for understanding the complicated formation of the cave and its geological history. It is now possible to record the exact location

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anthropologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Zürich-Irchel, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland

    Häusler M., Isler K. & Schmid P.

  2. PARG, Dep. Anatomy & Human Biology, Univ. of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Rd., Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Berger L.

Authors
  1. Häusler M.
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  2. Isler K.
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  3. Schmid P.
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  4. Berger L.
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Häusler, M., Isler, K., Schmid, P. et al. 3-D digital mapping of the early hominid site of gladysvale cave, South Africa. Hum. Evol. 19, 45–52 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02438908

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02438908

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