3D Integrated Survey for the Study of Archaeological Sites: the Case Study of Euryalus Castle in Siracusa

Abstract

The present article deals with the results of a recent study conducted by the Laboratory of Representation at the University of Catania regarding the 3D modelling process of the archaeological site of Euryalus Castle in Siracusa. The purpose of the research was to discuss the survey methods implemented in the archaeological field, considering each methodology as a singular or as a multi-sensor approach. Digital integrated survey (range-based and image-based methods) and, in particular, the UAS system (Unmanned Aerial System) reduce the problems connected with the survey of complex or large objects and increase capability exposure thanks to the high quality of 3D photorealistic technology. The traditional survey systems applied to the area around Siracusa and to the archaeological site have been integrated, in the present case study, with UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) photogrammetric survey for the acquisition of nadir and oblique imagery. The research shows that modern survey technology contributes to the digital 3D monitoring and documentation of cultural heritage.

Defensive Architecture of the Mediterranean Vol. XV (FORTMED2023)

“…The research project aims to study the entire building system in-depth from a historical, geometric, and material point of view, building a valuable information system to represent its original architecture. In the paper, the authors ( 1) suggest the first part of the project, the multiscale acquisition phase (Valenti & Paternò, 2021), and the first restitution of the Castle and its context, preparing the knowledge conditions for future interpretation.…”

“…In particular, the SfM (Structure from Motion) photogrammetric procedure based on UAS (Unmanned Aerial System), in addition to meeting the needs of versatility, effectiveness and portability required by current analysis standards, allows a rapid and precise mapping of the built heritage (Valenti et al 2021). Its application to complex or large sites is a field of research that provides the possibility of processing and returning products of high visual quality and analysing the close relationship between architectural artefacts and the surrounding landscape.…”

Integrated Survey and Smart Navigation of Complex Territorial Models

“…By overcoming the debate around image vs range-based methods, we were able to combine both methods of technology to take advantage of their potential and minimize their limitations. The recent progress and simultaneous diffusion, with relatively contained costs, of unmanned aerial vehicles, GPS and software surrounding this sector made it possible to obtain efficient three-dimensional models of such complex areas while limiting the cost and time needed (Jo and Kim 2017;Liuzzo et al, 2020;Versaci et al, 2020;Valenti and Paternò, 2021). The numerous VR and AR applications aimed at the compelling and interactive storytelling of the museums and places of interest were additional areas of study (Canciani et al, 2016;Helle et al, 2017;Mongiello et al, 2018;Teruggi et al, 2021;Spallone et al, 2021).…”

Detection and 3D Modeling of Potential Buried Archaeological Structures Using WorldView-3 Satellite Imagery

“…In addition to the utilization of remote sensing techniques, archaeologists have also recently started to turn to 3D modeling as a way to both study and share their results, including data collected from field excavations or large-scale data derived using geospatial technologies [22][23][24]. As we live in a three-dimensional world, 3D visual reconstructions are imperative in conceptualizing the information that is often lost in 2D images (e.g., maps and planimetric plans), such as shape, dimension, and physical consistency [25,26]. The adoption of such 3D technologies has enabled the continued reusability of data by scientists at a larger scale, fostering more collaborative efforts across disciplines [27].…”

“…The adoption of such 3D technologies has enabled the continued reusability of data by scientists at a larger scale, fostering more collaborative efforts across disciplines [27]. However, 3D modeling is not only crucial for making data more tangible and understandable to scientists and the public alike, but it is also essential in ensuring the digital protection of cultural heritage and the preservation of collective memory for future generations [26].…”