Shipwreck Maps: Documenting Warwick

By Guest Blogger: Jeff Delsescaux

When not being delayed by weather, the crew of the Warwick Project is recording the shipwreck in minute detail.  To make sure we make an accurate map of the ship, we use multiple methods including mapping by feature, profiles (cross sectional diagrams), photomosaics, trilateration and direct 1:1 recording.

Mapping by feature is a time consuming recording process that allows for detailed documentation of the layout of the shipwreck’s timbers.  Each archaeologist is responsible for recording a different portion of the wreck. All these sections overlap slightly to assist Dr. Piotr Bojakowski and Dr. Katie Custer-Bojakowski with drawing the final site plan.

The first step is to establish a baseline across the section being recorded. Offsets are then taken from this baseline.  Every edge, treenail, mark, and feature of the timbers must be recorded.  Using a pencil, the data is compiled onto a clipboard covered in…