The inaugural recipient of the Klein Award is Dr. Kotaru Yamafune, who has pioneered the development of modern photogrammetric methodologies in the field of underwater archaeology. Dr. Yamafune completed his dissertation on the subject of underwater photogrammetry in 2016 from Texas A&M University. Since then, he has made it his mission to educate the current and next generation of underwater archaeologists in the methodology. He began a for-profit photogrammetry business in Japan with the explicit goal of funding his volunteer time on archaeological projects around the world. He has run dozens upon dozens of training programs and workshops for non-profits, agencies, and universities, often at his own expense. Importantly, the training has evolved to include new and innovative advancements for making photogrammetry more precise and more applicable to archaeological research questions.
As a point of reference, the ACUA conducted a benchmarking survey in 2014 that did not even include photogrammetry in the list of skills a graduating student needs. Then in 2024 the ACUA conducted the same survey including photogrammetry, which revealed that it was a critical skillset for new employees in the field of underwater archaeology. Photogrammetrically recording underwater sites has become the default recording methodology in archaeology, and Dr. Yamafune’s role in this cannot be overstated.
According to a recently published news article, A Scientific Challenge to Reconstruct Lost History: Underwater Archaeology and Cutting-Edge Technology II, Dr. Yamafune’s application of technology is revolutionizing the recording of submerged sites.
“Multibeam bathymetry is an effective tool for mapping seafloor topography and fixing a hull’s position, yet it has limits when it comes to revealing a wreck’s finer details. That is where underwater drones and 3D photogrammetry came into their own. At a depth of 30 to 35 meters, drones maneuvered around Dellwood, photographing her from every angle. The resulting 3D model, built from this image set, renders features with striking clarity—from cargo winches to an as-yet unidentified spiral structure—bringing the extent of damage and key structural characteristics into sharp relief.” The article states further, “(the) introduction of 3D photogrammetry and a state-of-the-art underwater drone has revolutionized survey methods in underwater archaeology, leading to the discoveries of the gunboat Spitfire in Lake Champlain[i], USA, and the destroyer Warabi off Mihonoseki, Japan.”
Dr. Yamafune is a highly-sought-after specialist in the field of photogrammetry and has conducted surveys on sites including WWII heritage in Chuuk Lagoon, Danish slave ships in Costa Rica, underwater surveys in Japan, Malta, Bulgaria, Spain, Mexico, and the Mariana Islands, among many others around the world. He has also used his expertise to train Jamaican students to use photogrammetry to monitor the site of Port Royal with the aim of strengthening their bid to attain UNESCO World Heritage status.
Dr. Yamafune has without a doubt provided “innovative or new ways in applying or developing technology for the use in underwater or maritime archaeology.” His combination of innovation and altruism truly sets him apart, and it is impossible to find a corner of the globe where he is not both admired and sought after.
[i] Spitfire was discovered in the 90s by Art Cohn, however, Yamafune helped record it (again) a few years ago for the LCMM.