Visual Representations of the Site

ArcView GIS and the East Field

Arc View GIS is a program that allows us to map buildings which are both intact and in ruin. One of the greatest benefits to using a program like Arc View GIS is that it allows us to map an area and then divide the structures up by specific characteristics. In the plan of the East Field, Arc View gives us the capability to look at each building type seperately by grouping them into different layers. Each wall that has been mapped can be assigned a specific construction type, which is illustrated by a color, and can then be turned on and off. The benefit of this feature is that it gives us the opportunity to examine wall types by themselves and in conjuction with a variety of other wall types.

• Image 1: This image shows only type 3 walls and makes it easier to see if there are any building patterns within the construction type.
• Image 2: By overlaying the type 2 and type 3 walls, we can see any connections between the two constrcution types.
• Image 3: With all the construction types on at once it is possible to see the complexity of the East Field.

AutoCAD and the Roman Bath

AutoCAD is a Computer-Aided design program designed for use by architects in planning buildings. Archaeologists have adopted the use of such specialized software to deal with site mapping, and much more importantly architectural remains. At Isthmia we have used AutoCAD to record and make plans of the complex Roman Bath. With AutoCAD we do far more that simply make plans. AutoCAD acts a database of information. The actual dimensions of every architectural piece have been entered, and these can be retrieved as desired. Likewise AutoCAD can be used to view different architectural styles, building phases and other items of interest. In the case of the Roman bath, enough information is preserved to allow AutoCAD to do a three-dimensional reconstruction of the building.

• NEW: A collection of more recent 3D renderings of the Roman Bath...

Architectural drawings of features at Isthmia

Architectural drawings serve as another way to preserve the state of archaeological features. Such drawings are typically used in archaeological publications, but are not limited to such use. It is common practice at Isthmia to attempt to develop drawings for major features.

• Image 1: Drawing of an epistyle-frieze block, clearly illustrating a triglyph. This block is spolia from the Hexmilion wall, one of the predominant features of the site at Isthmia.
• Image 2: Drawing of the remains of a warm plunge pool located in the caldarium complex of the Roman Bath.