<title>Using optically scanned 3D data in the restoration of Michelangelo's David</title>

Abstract

Modern 3D scanning technologies allow to reconstruct 3D digital representations of Cultural Heritage artifacts in a semi-automatic way, characterized by very high accuracy and wealth of details. The availability of an accurate digital representation opens several possibilities of utilization to experts (restorers, archivists, museum curators), or to ordinary people (students, museum visitors). 3D scanned data are commonly used for the production of animations, interactive visualizations, or virtual reality applications. A much more exciting opportunity is to use these data in the restoration of Cultural Heritage artworks. The integration between 3D graphic and restoration represents an open research field where many new supporting tools are required; the David restoration project has given several starting points and guidelines to the definition and development of innovative solutions. Digital 3D models can be used in two different but not subsidiary modes: as an instrument for the execution of specific investigations and as a supporting media for the archival and integration of all the restoration-related information, gathered with the different studies and analysis performed on the artwork. In this paper we present some recent work done in the framework of the Michelangelo's David restoration project. A 3D model of the David was reconstructed by the Digital Michelangelo Project, using laser-based 3D scanning technology. We have developed some tools to make those data accessible and useful in the restoration. Preliminary results are reported here together with some directions for further research.

Design of cultural heritage information systems based on information layers

“…Following this idea, Scopigno et al [2003] proposed not only using the 3D model as an index to information about an artifact, but also as a support to integrate information about a restoration process. This information is gathered using different procedures and integrated into the digital 3D model, or it can be directly generated by a simulation process, taking the model as one of its inputs.…”

Aplicaciones de la digitalización 3D del patrimonio

“…La digitalización del David de Miguel Angel se ha usado para analizar la acumulación de contaminantes en la escultura y su estabilidad. Este último estudio ha permitido determinar el origen de fisuras existentes en el tobillo debidas a las tensiones producidas por el desplazamiento del centro de gravedad respecto a la base de sustentación (SCOPIGNO 2003).…”

Large-scale dimensional metrology (LSDM): from tapes and theodolites to multi-sensor systems

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Typical applications refer to the measurement of large machines and structures, such as for example in the aeronautic and shipbuilder industry, but also in the field of topographical and architectural surveying. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] A branch of application, which is often neglected by the scientific literature when referring to LSDM, concerns the tracking of objects in movement in large spaces, such as for examples warehouses or industrial plants, or even over the territory. [25][26][27] Systems like GPS (Global Positioning System) are rarely considered in the field LSDM although they are actually employed in many kind of measurement of large-scale structures specially in shipyard for shipbuilding industry and industrial ports, as well as for topographic and architectonic surveying.…”