A Multi-Analytical Study for the Enhancement and Accessibility of Archaeological Heritage: The Churches of San Nicola and San Basilio in Motta Sant’Agata (RC, Italy)

Abstract

In the coming years, Italy will need to take on a great challenge concerning the digitization of its archaeological and architectural heritage, one of the richest and most problematic in the world. The aim is to improve the knowledge, conservation, enhancement and accessibility of cultural assets and to make them a resource for national and local development. In this process, the next generation of 3D survey methods (laser scanning and photogrammetry), in combination with diagnostic techniques (spectroscopy analyses) and GIS/BIM (Geographic Information System/Building Information Modeling) solutions, represent a valid support. This work, part of a broader intervention launched by the Municipality of Reggio Calabria for the requalification of some archaeological sites located within its urban and metropolitan area, is focused on the study case of Motta S. Agata. The ancient settlement is located 8 km from Reggio C. in a hilly area difficult to reach and preserves numerous structures in a state of ruin. Among these, two interesting medieval churches are proposed for examination: the church of San Nicola, characterized by five hypogeal funeral crypts, and the chapel of San Basilio, which preserves the traces of a wall painting. A multi-methodological approach including close-range photogrammetry, laser scanning and chemical and thermal analyses was adopted in order to fulfill different tasks: creating a topographic model of the hillfort, mapping the archaeological evidence, digitizing and returning 3D models of the churches, characterizing materials through chemical analyses and monitoring the surfaces with thermal imaging. These combined applications have contributed to reaching the planned goals, i.e., study, conservation, diagnostics, preparation for restoration interventions, development of digital media and dissemination. In this way, a type of interactive museum (made up of virtual tours and informative digital models) has been made available in order to improve the site’s accessibility and inclusivity as well as to test the effect of digitization in attracting tourists and local people toward a place located outside of the usual tourist circuits.

Use of UAS and TLS technology in 3D modeling of constructions with complex architecture

“…The study of cultural heritage is increasingly adopting 3D modeling as a methodology to comprehend, analyze, and interpret structures as a result of advancements in surveying techniques and technologies. It is the most effective sort of representation due to its increasingly precise and realistic conclusions as well as its methodical approach to the working environment, the morphological aspects of the investigated architecture, and the possible specific researches (Valenti and Paternò, 2019;Giuffrida et al, 2021). Due to the ability to conduct analyses of the building that call for comparisons with a former condition, the availability of digital copies is a useful resource for management.…”

“…The ultimate objective is to put up a GIS and BIM platform that will enable users to extract metric and alphanumeric data, as well as to implement a spatial database to organize all the data that has been gathered. The usage of these technologies is also a step forward for the fusion of data from many sources, which simplifies information administration, constant update, and accessibility for professionals such as technologists, architects, historians, archaeologists, and public officials (Giuffrida et al, 2021;Karasaka and Beg, 2022).…”

Acquisition of High Spectral Resolution Diffuse Reflectance Image Cubes (350–2500 nm) from Archaeological Wall Paintings and Other Immovable Heritage Using a Field-Deployable Spatial Scanning Reflectance Spectrometry Hyperspectral System

“…For on-site scientific analyses of archaeological wall paintings and other painted monuments, there is an increased interest for reliable, non-destructive, and non-invasive technologies to analyze painting materials such as pigments and binding media, understand painting production technologies, and identify regions of degradation and products of alteration as well as conservation materials from previous treatments [1][2][3][4]. These polychrome surfaces are challenging to study, as they are integral parts of walls and structures and therefore are exposed to anthropogenic and environmentally-linked events.…”

Close-Range Sensing and Data Fusion for Built Heritage Inspection and Monitoring—A Review

“…However, their integration enhances the interpretation of the state of preservation, as many evaluation methods can act complementarily [7][8][9][10][11][12]. We should also note that imparting spatial properties to nondestructive evaluation methods allows for better interpretation and visualization of the state of preservation, while facilitating the spatial fusion of multisensor data [13][14][15]. At the same time, monitoring benefits from geometric recording methods (i.e., by acquiring spatial data and utilizing valuable sensing metadata derived from employed measurement instrumentation).…”