3 D Modelling

​ORCA has an in-house capability for creating 3D models of finds, structures and landscapes. ​These models not only record an archaeological site in great detail for future reference and baseline comparison, but they also enable the team to evaluate a site very rapidly and in a cost effective and efficient way....something that our clients are finding more and more appealing

Point of Buckquoy Coastal Erosion by archaeologyuhi on Sketchfab

This model shows the central noust at the Point of Buckquoy, with a section of coastal erosion directly below.

This model was created for the Mapping Magnus project 2017-18: A research, community and training project focussed on Birsay, Orkney, to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the death of St Magnus.

Funded by: Heritage Lottery Fund,

Client: Orkney Islands Council.

For more information see https://archaeologyorkney.com/category/mapping-magnus/

Skipi Geo Nousts by archaeologyuhi on Sketchfab

Completed by ORCA staff for the Mapping Magnus project 2017-18. Located on the Northside shore, Skipi Geo is one of the most remarkable noust sites in Orkney. A fan-shaped arrangement of 12 nousts radiates around the top of a steep incline from the beach at the head of a deep geo. A stone-built fisherman’s hut is located on the western side of the nousts.

Funded by: Heritage Lottery Fund,

​Client: Orkney Islands Council.
For more information see our blog: https://archaeologyorkney.com/category/mapping-magnus/

MONSBELLAS Stone 2 by archaeologyuhi on Sketchfab

​One half of an inscribed stone, now a part of a 13th century lancet which itself is set into the 18th century south wall of the parish church in Birsay. This 3D model has been enhanced so that the letters can be made out, spelling “s Bellus” - the other half of the stone, now set in to the wall of a house (Cleatfurrows) adjacent the church, reads “Mon”, making the complete stone read “Mons Bellus”. The raised lettering is of 16th century type. A 3D model of the other half of the stone can be seen here: https://skfb.ly/6yGVt

Funded by: Heritage Lottery Fund, Client: Orkney Islands Council.

Mansie Stane by archaeologyuhi on Sketchfab

​The only surviving Mansie Stane at Strathyre, Birsay. Mansie Stane sites are traditionally where the body of St Magnus was rested during transit, when he was moved between Egilsay to Birsay, and then Birsay to Kirkwall.

It was said that the stone lying on the ground was knocked from the top of the earth fast stone by farm machinery, however the two do not appear to conjoin.

Funded by: Heritage Lottery Fund,

​Client: Orkney Islands Council.