3D RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN DOMUS IN THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF LYLIBAEUM (MARSALA, ITALY)

Abstract. Generally, terrestrial laser scanning surveys involve a rather large number of scans to ensure a high percentage of overlap required for the scan registration phase (target-based or point-based registration, cloud-to-cloud registration). These approaches result in data redundancy that could slow down both the acquisition and post-processing phases. In recent years, the technological evolution in the field of laser scanners has been directed to the development of devices that are able to perform an onsite pre-registration, to optimize the survey procedures and the reliability of the registration of the scan. The paper presents the results achieved during a terrestrial laser scannin…

Rilievi laser scanner con tecniche di registrazione in situ: il sistema Topcon GLS2000 per il rilievo di siti archeologici

Il lavoro svolto presenta i risultati ottenuti durante una campagna di rilievi laser scanner in ambito archeologico effettuata utilizzando il sistema GLS2000 della Topcon. Le attività di rilievo sono state condotte per la documentazione e ricostruzione tridimensionale della Domus romana all’interno del Parco archeologico di Lilibeo a Marsala. Lo scopo del lavoro è stato quello di utilizzare e verificare le tecniche di registrazione in situ impiegando, in particolare, il metodo della poligonale.

UAV Systems for Photogrammetric Data Acquisition of Archaeological Sites

The use of UAV systems for surveying archaeological sites is becoming progressively more common due to the considerable potential in terms of rapidity of survey, costs and accuracy. The paper presents the first results of the photogrammetric survey of the archaeological site of Himera in Sicily (Italy) using by UAV systems. A complete documentation of the site through the production of a DSM and an ortho image were carried out. The research further evaluated two different image processing workflows: a typical photogrammetric approach and a computer vision approach. An ortho image of the archaeological site with a very high resolution was obtained. Dept. of Civil, Environmental, Aerospace an…

3D survey in complex archaeological environments: An approach by terrestrial laser scanning

Abstract. The survey of archaeological sites by appropriate geomatics technologies is an important research topic. In particular, the 3D survey by terrestrial laser scanning has become a common practice for 3D archaeological data collection. Even if terrestrial laser scanning survey is quite well established, due to the complexity of the most archaeological contexts, many issues can arise and make the survey more difficult. The aim of this work is to describe the methodology chosen for a terrestrial laser scanning survey in a complex archaeological environment according to the issues related to the particular structure of the site. The developed approach was used for the terrestrial laser s…

MOBILE MAPPING FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE SURVEY OF THE COMPLEX OF ST. JOHN OF THE HERMITS IN PALERMO (ITALY)

Abstract. During the 11th and 12th century, the Arab-Norman architectural style characterized the most beautiful and important Cultural Heritage buildings in Sicily, and especially in Palermo (Italy). The relevance of these monuments is highlighted by their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List in 2015. For many years, the University of Palermo has been studying and documenting several Arab-Norman cultural assets, and in particular, the complex of St. John of the Hermits in Palermo (Italy). A first detailed 3D survey of the main structures of this complex was carried out using a terrestrial laser scanner while the 3D survey of the entire complex was made using a Mobile Mapping S…

3D mosaic documentation using close range photogrammetry

The paper describes the close range photogrammetric survey of a roman mosaic stored at Regional Archaeological Museum “Antonino Salinas” in Palermo (Italy). The aim of the work is the production of a full-scale representation (scale 1:1) of the mosaic useful for documentation and restoration processes. The research has allowed evaluating limit and potentiality of image-based approach using photogrammetric and computer vision (Structure for Motion) techniques in a context where the metric point of view is a very important factor.

Image-based and range-based 3D modelling of archaeological cultural heritage: The telamon of the temple of Olympian Zeus in Agrigento (Italy)

Abstract. The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Agrigento (Italy) was one of the largest temple and at the same time one of the most original of all the Greek architecture. We don’t know exactly how it was because the temple is now almost completely destroyed but it is very well-known for the presence of the Telamons. The Telamons were giant statues (about 8 meters high) probably located outside the temple to fill the interval between the columns. In accordance with the theory most accredited by archaeologists the Telamons were a decorative element and also a support for the structure. However, this hypothesis has never been scientifically proven. One Telamon has been reassembled and is shown at t…

GEOMATIC METHODOLOGIES FOR THE STUDY OF TEATRO MASSIMO IN PALERMO (ITALY)

Abstract. This work illustrates the use of geomatics techniques for the documentation of Teatro Massimo in Palermo (Italy), one of the most important and big in Italy and in Europe. The theatre is characterized by a very complex structure and is realized also using innovative solution, studied at the time of the project specifically for this building; for example, an original system was realized for a natural air-conditioning system of the auditorium. Due to his complexity, the documentation of the Teatro Massimo requires studying specific survey solutions for the different parts of the building. In this paper, some studies on two of the most representative parts of the building were descri…

3D modelling of a historical building using close-range photogrammetry and remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS)

Abstract. The photogrammetric survey of architectural Cultural Heritage is a very useful and standard process in order to obtain accurate 3D data for the documentation and visualization of historical buildings. In particular, the integration of terrestrial close-range photogrammetry and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPASs) photogrammetry allows to create accurate and reliable 3D models of buildings and to monitor their state of conservation. The use of RPASs has indeed become more popular in Cultural Heritage survey to measure and detect areas that cannot normally be covered using terrestrial photogrammetry or terrestrial laser scanner. The paper presents the results of a photogrammetr…

FROM SCAN-TO-BIM TO HERITAGE BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING FOR AN ANCIENT ARAB-NORMAN CHURCH

Abstract. One of the most significant issues in Cultural Heritage is the management of ancient buildings to monitor their state of conservation or to plan actions in their maintenance; this issue can be now approached thanks to the use of the Scan-to-BIM process. This method allows the creation of parametric models into a BIM environment, which are capable of enhancing the geometrical representation of building elements and integrating different types of data.This paper shows the results of the research activities carried out by the Department of Engineering at University of Palermo (Italy) on applying the Scan-to-BIM approach to the survey and the modelling of an ancient Arab-Norman church…

UAV platforms for cultural heritage survey: first results

Abstract. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is becoming very common for photogrammetric survey especially due to numerous advantages compared to "traditional" aerial photogrammetry. The work carried out describes the first results obtained using different UAV systems for Cultural Heritage surveys. The study was performed acquiring two different datasets on an archaeological site and a "land art" site respectively. These datasets have different characteristics in relation to the extension of the surveyed areas, the used platform, the flight parameters. A Computer Vision approach has been used to produce 3D models and ortho-images with a very high level of detail. Some tests were also …

Prime verifiche sull’uso dello scanning total station Trimble SX10 per il rilievo architettonico dei beni culturali

Il lavoro presenta alcuni test di rilievo di beni culturali eseguiti con l'ausilio della stazione totale scanner Trimble SX10. Le acquisiziomi sono state confrontate con i dati ottenuti da un comune laser scanner terrestre Faro Focus 3D S120. Come caso studio per effettuare i confronti è stato scelto il portico principale del Duomo di Monreale. I risultati ottenuti hanno evidenziato una buona rispondenza geometrica dei differenti dataset, anche in corrispondenza di dettagli di piccole dimensioni. Inoltre, l’utilizzo del Trimble SX10 è risultato particolarmente semplice ed intuitivo. Unico limite, per rilievi particolarmente complessi di beni culturali, potrebbe essere la velocità di acquisi…

SCAN-TO-BIM FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS: THE CASE STUDY OF THE CASTLE OF MAREDOLCE (PALERMO, ITALY)

Abstract. Conservation and preservation of heritage buildings require the knowledge and sharing of a great deal of data and information about buildings. Such information comes from the different disciplines involved in the restoration and maintenance processes. The integration and use of all this information in a single working environment is a key factor for the success of historical building conservation and management projects. Heritage (or Historic) Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is nowadays the most appropriate tool to collect and manage all data related to Architectural Heritage. The HBIM process requires an in-depth knowledge of the historical building that can be achieved usi…

Innovative techniques for survey and communication of cultural heritage

This paper deals with the survey and communications of Cultural Heritage through the development of innovative methodologies. The case of study is the polychrome wooden ceiling in the “Magna” Hall of “Palazzo Steri”. The “Steri”, built in the XIVth century by the noble family Chiaromonte, is at the present the headquarter of the Rector’s Office of Palermo University. A 3D model of the wooden ceiling has initially been carried out with laser-scanning and digital photogrammetric techniques; successively a multimodal interactive guide has been realized. The guide is integrated to the 3D model, so that visitors can navigate the virtual representation of the ancient wood ceiling and achieve, int…

RPAS AND TLS TECNIQUES FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY: THE CASE STUDY OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF ERACLEA MINOA (ITALY)

Abstract. Digital documentation and 3D modelling of archaeological sites are important for understanding, definition and recognition of the values of the sites and of the archaeological finds. The most part of archaeological sites are outdoor location, but a cover to preserve the ruins protects often parts of the sites. The possibility to acquire data with different techniques and merge them by using a single reference system allows creating multi-parties models in which 3D representations of the individual objects can be inserted. The paper presents the results of a recent study carried out by Geomatics Laboratory of University of Palermo for the digital documentation and 3D modelling of E…

Influence of bed roughness on flow and turbulence structure around a partially-buried, isolated freshwater mussel

The present study uses eddy-resolving numerical simulations to investigate how bed roughness affects flow and turbulence structure around an isolated, partially-buried mussel (Unio elongatulus) aligned with the incoming flow. The rough-bed simulations resolve the flow past the exposed part of a gravel bed, whose surface is obtained from a laboratory experiment that also provides some additional data for validation of the numerical model. Results are also discussed for the limiting case of a horizontal smooth bed. Additionally, the effects of varying the level of burial of the mussel inside the substrate and the discharge through the two mussel siphons are investigated via a set of simulatio…

UAV SURVEY FOR THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MAP OF LILYBAEUM (MARSALA, ITALY)

Abstract. Collecting information and mapping are fundamental aspects of systematic archaeological excavation, documentation and interpretation. The process of recording physical evidence is the first step in the archaeological study with the goal to derive spatial and semantic information from the gathered and available data. Archaeological reports always include 2D maps, sections, data distribution and other spatial data. Indeed, the representation is inseparable from the archaeological practice, but this is undoubtedly a time-consuming activity. Nowadays, archaeologists can take advantages of various recording techniques to produce highly accurate 3D models and ortho-images of archaeologi…

Stime rigorose di accuratezza e parallassi residue su blocchi acquisiti industrialmente

Computer Vision Tools for 3D Modelling in Archaeology

In archaeological Cultural Heritage study 3D modelling has become a very useful process to obtain indispensable data for documentation and visualization. Nowadays the continuous request to achieve photorealistic 3D models has led to testing different techniques and methodologies to speed up both data acquisition and the data processing phase. There are many examples of surveys conducted with the use of range-based and image-based techniques, but, in the last few years, the scientific research has been increasingly moving towards automatic procedures using Computer Vision approach to reduce time during data processing. Computer Vision approach offers a great opportunity for archaeological su…

3D MODELING OF TWO LOUTERIA FRAGMENTS BY IMAGE-BASED APPROACH

Abstract. The paper presents a digital approach to the reconstruction and analysis of two small-sized fragments of louteria, a kind of large terracotta vase, found during an archaeological survey in the south of Sicily (Italy), in the area of Cignana near the Greek colony of Akragas (nowadays Agrigento). The fragments of louteria have been studied by an image-based approach in order to achieve high accurate and very detailed 3D models. The 3D models have been used to carry out interpretive and geometric analysis from an archaeological point of view. Using different digital tools, it was possible to highlight some fine details of the louteria decorations and to better understand the characte…

SURVEY AND VIRTUAL RECONSTRUCTION OF ANCIENT ROMAN FLOORS IN AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXT

Abstract. Despite the consistent development of approaches aimed at the virtual reconstruction of whole houses or archaeological monuments, the variety of technologies involved in virtual reconstruction procedures and the complexity of a rigorous process to provide validation models, seems to limit a univocal and shared standards adoption. For example, compared to the large number of contributions on the virtual reconstruction of whole architectures or cultural heritage sites, only a few works have proposed a rigorous workflow specific to mosaics and ancient floors and to their virtual reconstruction. The goal of this work is to present the first results on the virtual reconstruction of the…

3D mosaics survey: analysis of photogrammetric/computer vision approach in a metrological context

The goal of the paper is evaluate photogrammetric/computer vision approach in a metrological context for 3D mosaics survey. The aim of the mosaics survey is the production of a full-scale representation (scale 1:1) useful for the documentation and for the restoration processes. In order to evaluate the optimal photogrammetric/computer vision workflow in this work three different surveys have been done for three mosaics with different size and location. Two of these are stored at Regional Archaeological Museum “Antonino Salinas” in Palermo (Italy) and the other one is stored at Regional Archaeological Museum “Baglio Anselmi” in Marsala (Italy). The research has allowed to show the potentiali…

THE INTEGRATED 3D SURVEY for UNDERGROUND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract. The task of documentation and conservation of Cultural Heritage defines the challenges that geomatics techniques have to overtake in order to provide different solutions that combine the automation of processes with accurate results. The employment of integrated technologies allows improving the documentation of Cultural Heritage from a quantitative and qualitative point of view. The use of range and image-based techniques ensures the possibility to completely record articulated structures such as building with underground environments. The latter present often problematic survey conditions that imposed well planned and appropriate solutions. In this context, the paper presents th…

THE MAIN PORTAL OF THE CATHEDRAL OF MONREALE: FIRST GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETIVE ASSESSMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

Abstract. Nowadays, 3D documentation of architectural assets is becoming a demanding task for the valorisation of Cultural Heritage especially after a restoration project. The 3D documentation can be used for detailed analysis of specific elements, for monitoring the state of conservation and for valorisation actions. The paper describes the results of the 3D close-range photogrammetry survey of the main portal of the Cathedral of Monreale (Palermo, Italy). The Cathedral is one the most important monumental complexes in Sicily that, for its high historical and artistic importance has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 2015. The main portal of the Cathedral has been recentl…

Integrating topographic, photogrammetric and laser scanning techniques for a scan-to-bim process

Abstract. The preservation of historic buildings can often be particularly difficult due to the lack of detailed information about architectural features, construction details, etc.. However, in recent years considerable technological innovation in the field of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) has been achieved by the Building Information Modeling (BIM) process. BIM was developed as a methodology used mainly for new construction but, given its considerable potential, this approach can also be successfully used for existing buildings, especially for buildings of historical and architectural value. In this case, it is more properly referred to as Historic – or Heritage – Buil…