Reflectance Transformation Imaging

Views of a bone tool before using Reflectance Transformation Imaging

NPS Photo

Reflectance transformation imaging, or RTI, is a way of photographing an object under different angles of light and then manipulating the images using computer software.

Manipulating the light on the surface of an object makes it easier to see marks from manufacturing or from use.

Views of a bone tool after using Reflectance Transformation Imaging

NPS Photo

This image includes a view of the same bone tool using Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI). In this view you can see the marks on the bone. RTI has been used on some of the Anhinga Trail bone tools to help archeologists identify how the tools were made and used. RTI is becoming a common method to study artifacts, including metal tablets, marble statues, bone tools, and even historic papers.

Studying the Archeological Site

  • Vibracore in operation at the Anhinga Trail archeological site.
    Vibracoring

    SEAC archeologist, Dr. Margo Schwadron conducted a survey of a large area around the site.

  • CT Scanning Artifacts
    Computed Tomography

    Computed Tomography (CT) scans are used to help archeologists to examine the bone tools.

  • Close-up of a bobcat skull from a comparative collection.
    Zooarcheology

    Zooarcheologists study animal bones, teeth, shells, horn, and other animal parts.

  • Microscope photograph of the natural structures inside a wood artifact, EVER 89817.
    Archaeobotany

    Archaeobotany is the study of plant remains from archeological sites.

Last updated: September 24, 2021

Tools