Symmetry measurements
The Ceramic Technologies Digital Library (CTDL) uses a proprietary program developed at PRISM by Myungsoo Bae called Ceramic Vessel Analysis Software (CVAS) in order to obtain precise measurements about the vessel's construction. It offers first-hand information about the hidden parameters of any vessels, which can lead to more in-depth studies of ceramic technology. It can further studies of these pottery vessels regarding their functional and aesthetic properties. Ancient ceramic production was a complex and creative craft and the resulting pottery vessels exhibit considerable variation. Shared ceramic technological traditions resulted in relatively uniform pottery styles that are reflective of the social and subsistence needs of the society. Significant homogeneity in ceramic technology over large regions can be an indicator of shared cultural traditions and social cohesiveness. In contrast, significant variations in ceramic technologies may be indicators of diverse functional and stylistic traditions and the presence of different social and ethnic groups. The measurements obtained with CVAS can provide more interpretive results into the technology of ceramic manufacture beyond what was until now pure empirical observation of form and decoration.
Ceramic Vessel Analysis Software is one of the most informative software ever created for archaeological study. The vessel can be viewed as a meshed wireframe or as full-texturized.
The next step is the calculation of a best-to-fit curvature which would then allow the fitting of a spline curve that will best approximate the original curvature.
The fitting allows the calculation of precise measurements of the vessel's main scantlings including volume, height to rim, maximum diameter, and most important the symmetry value of the entire vessel.
The vessel can be afterwards viewed in two instances: as original vs. the ideal symmetrical product.
The original vessel can be viewed in a split-screen view showing, through a coloured scale, the degree of deviation from the symmetrical shape.
The vessel can be also viewed as one juxtaposition of the two instances. 
October 20, 2007
