Panther Cave Pictographs - 3D Modeling

Best viewed in High Definition. Panther Cave, named after the giant panther at the far end of the site, contains Pecos River and Red Linear style pictographic imagery dating back approximately 4,000 years. Figures range in size from less than 6 inches (~10 cm) to over 10 feet (~3 m) in height. The larger Pecos River style figures are the most prominent, and include colorful human- and animal-like figures. The portion of the shelter shown in this model is approximately 130 feet (~40 m) long, 35 feet (~12 m) deep, and 32 (~11 m) in height.

This site is accessible only by boat, and co-managed by Seminole Canyon State Park and Amistad National Recreation Area. This site is endangered by flooding related to the construction of Amistad Reservoir. The 3D modeling was part of a 3 year rock art documentation project conducted by SHUMLA Archeological Research and Education Center, Amistad National Recreation Area, Seminole Canyon State Park, and Geo-Marine Inc. to digitally preserve the site for future generations.

3D model was created by Mark Willis using Structure from Motion photogrammetry. Photo enhancements are done using DStretch, by Jon Harmon (http://www.dstretch.com/). To contribute to future preservation initiatives, visit www.shumla.org.

• Category

  Science & Technology

[Ron Charles]

The enhancement is terrific for it allows one to really see the images.  Well done!

[tejaspics]

Wow.  Excellent work!

[MercuriousGeorg]

Wonderfulamazingandwordsarefai­ling. . .

[Missy Harrington]

Great job Mark!! Your skills are as awesome as this site!!

[jayhornsby]

Wow! This is stunning, what a wonderful application of modern technology. Great job!

[travissalinas]

That is excellent! keep up the good work!

[Bob Cates]

Absolutely fantastic. It's really great to be able to get behind the fence. Hopefully this process can be used to preserve many more sites before the elements and vandals get to them. Thank you.

[Dean Liu]

Congratulations! Dr. Boyd and Shumla team. Well Done!