Multi-scale cultural heritage survey: Quick digital photogrammetric systems

Survey technologies play a leading role in the knowledge of cultural heritage and so far they have been finalized to data acquisition for describing geometric features and peculiarities of historical monuments in the context of conservation and safeguard. Moreover, the demand for 3D models of historical monuments is continuously increasing in the field of archaeological and architectural applications. The two main sources that can provide detailed and reliable 3D surface models are photogrammetry through image-based modelling, and Terrestrial Laser Scanner through laser scanning techniques. Among the works so far presented, the use of laser scanner for cultural heritage survey seems to achieve a position of monopoly in the 3D modelling pipeline. Laser scanner technology permits a detailed 3D description of the artefacts geometry: during the acquisition phase, it is possible to automatically acquire a great amount of 3D points without subjective interpretation from the operators. Some related geometric issues have not been solved yet, and thus a great amount of post-processing work is required to get final results. Recently, the development of digital stereo-photogrammetric systems capable to define 3D visualization and navigation environments represents a valid alternative as a tool for 3D documentation of cultural heritage. This paper aims to present the wide range of application of quick photogrammetric systems, either stereoscopic or trifocal, in the context of surveying archaeological–architectural artefacts at different scales and for different purposes.