Laser scanning e fotogrammetria: strumenti e metodi di rilievo tridimensionale per l'archeologia

The increase of 3D acquisition and modeling techniques applied in archeological field is due principally to (i) the capacity of surveying archeological artifacts with high precision and non-contact approach and (ii) the possibility to create 3D digital models useful for data analysis, simulation and preservation. These kinds of benefits in terms of knowledge oblige nowadays the archaeologist to understand better 3D acquisition and modeling principles and practice. This evidence starts from the necessity to adopt a common language between experts in 3D data management and archaeologists with the principal aim to understand mutual demands and share the project purposes. In this article the authors review the principal 3D surveying techniques and try to suggest a concise but exhaustive explanation of the working principles of active and passive 3D acquisition techniques. For each one a description of instruments and methodologies is developed, pointing out pros and cons of every technique. In conclusion a sensor fusion approach is presented as interesting solution to increase the instrument performances obtaining at the same time a quality improvement of 3D acquisition and modeling results. A final multi-resolution application about Pompeii Forum 3D modeling follows and close the article.