3D photogrammetric modeling has brought about a revolution in archaeological documentation and illustration: 3D models allow one to interact and work with images and hold a vast amount of information. In this article we explore the development, characteristics and advantages of the various methods of archaeological illustration: artistic illustrations, technical drawings, photographs, video and computer-generated images. We explore the possibilities opened up by photogrammetric models, as well as the characteristics and differences entailed by the modeling of artifacts, contexts, sites and regions. The second part of this article will explore the different methods and strategies used in 3D modeling of archaeological sites.

The second part of this paper focuses on the process of 3-D photogrammetric modelling applied to archaeological sites. A discussion of the three phases planning, recording and processing of drone and drone less photogrammetric documentation, is followed by a review of six site-recording strategies as determined by the capacities of the equipment used, the characteristics of the sites that are being modelled, and their geographical and topographic setting. These strategies are based on the documentation of over a thousand sites in all Peru, as well as on the various recording requirements in terms of the desired outputs.