From the Structure from Motion to 3D Information Systems: integrated procedures for survey and archaeological documentation

Ilaria Trizio¹ / Romolo Continenza²
(¹ITC-CNR, L’Aquila, Italy / ²DICEAA, L’Aquila, Italy)

Keywords: archaeological surveying, GIS3D, 3D modelling

Abstract:
Methodology:
One of the main innovations that in the last decade affected the archeology has been the intensive use of computer technology. In particular, the Geographic Information Systems have become essential tools for the analysis, the management and consulting of the archaeological documentation, due to their flexibility and ability to operate in relation to the protection of the Cultural Heritage.
Recently, moreover, are spreading the software that provide the possibility to make accurate three-dimensional surveys, quickly and comparable to laser scanning techniques, by the software of Structure from Motion (SfM) that very often are based on cloud computing.
The objective described in this paper was to develop a procedure based on the integration of SfM and GIS software, indicated as a perfect tool to document, describe and display large amounts of information.
Results:
The procedure involves the integration between SfM software and GIS 3D, through import into the GIS of the textured mesh derived from the cloud, has been tested on the Roman site of Civita di Bagno, which includes a monumental archaeological complex strongly characterized by the presence of semicircular substructures built on different levels and long straight walls, which support a terrace with buildings affected by different building phases.
The result of the work can be seen in a 3D GIS which displays a 3D model of the building, texturized and queried, to which were attached the informative content linked to the site.
Innovations:
The whirling evolution of computer technologies requires to the operators a continuous upgrading. In this case, the testing of the SfM technology, and the import of its products in a GIS environment, make cheaper and also expeditious operations of survey, setting free the operators from the use of procedures already in use and considerably reducing the budget of the interventions on the archaeological heritage.