3D Multispectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage Preservation: The Case Study of a Wooden Sculpture of the Museo Egizio di Torino

Abstract

Digitalization techniques, such as photogrammetry (PG), are attracting the interest of experts in the cultural heritage field, as they enable the creation of three-dimensional virtual replicas of historical artifacts with 2D digital images. Indeed, PG allows for acquiring data regarding the overall appearance of an artifact, its geometry, and its texture. Furthermore, among several image-based techniques exploited for the conservation of works of art, multispectral imaging (MSI) finds great application in the study of the materials of historical items, taking advantage of the different responses of materials when exposed to specific wavelengths. Despite their great usefulness, PG and MSI are often used as separate tools. Integrating radiometric and geometrical data can notably expand the information carried by a 3D model. Therefore, this paper presents a novel research methodology that enables the acquisition of multispectral 3D models, combining the outcomes of PG and MSI (Visible (VIS), Ultraviolet-induced Visible Luminescence (UVL), Ultraviolet-Reflected (UVR), and Ultraviolet-Reflected False Color (UVR-FC) imaging) in a single coordinate system, using an affordable tunable set-up and open-source software. The approach has been employed for the study of two wooden artifacts from the Museo Egizio di Torino to investigate the materials present on the surface and provide information that could support the design of suitable conservation treatments.

The Use of Virtual Reflectance Transformation Imaging (V-RTI) in the Field of Cultural Heritage: Approaching the Materiality of an Ancient Egyptian Rock-Cut Chapel

“…Various techniques are available for generating RTI, such as using a fixed dome [21] or motorized rotating arcs for light positioning, as well as the adoption of photogrammetry; while extensively applied in the large-scale digitization of museum artifacts [33], the latter is also useful for metrology validation [34,35] and multiband analysis [4].…”

“…Another example of the hybrid approach is multi-light 3D surveying. This method combines close-range photogrammetry and multiband photography with variable incident light, resulting in a mosaic of enhanced orthographic images that enrich the knowledge of different materials and surface features [3,4].…”

Strengthening character of cultural conservation through an android application containing public history for high school students in Indonesia

“…Digitization in cultural heritage includes digital photogrammetry, digital 3D models, laser scanners, and other models. Digitalization is a very promising option in supporting the preservation of cultural heritage [12], as it allows the creation of virtual replicas of historical artifacts [13]. Preservation that is not appropriate will cause a tragedy that threatens and harms the nation.…”