Reconstructing Paleolithic cave art: The example of Marsoulas Cave (France)

3D technologies are now widely applied in the study of decorated caves and rockshelters because they provide unique volumetric representations of the art. In the cave of Marsoulas (Haute-Garonne, France), which has engravings and paintings which date to approximately 17,000 BP, 3D modeling and other image processing techniques have been combined into an analytical system of documentation that addresses the unique challenges and questions that this site presents to researchers. 3D modeling is used as a new tool for producing easily understandable graphic renderings of the cave walls (essential for interpretation), while also creating a publically accessible reconstruction of the cave art and its environment.