Track 01 – Documentation, Preservation, Monitoring and Restoration

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Browsing Track 01 – Documentation, Preservation, Monitoring and Restoration by Subject "aided design"

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    Low-Cost LiDAR Sensors for the Survey of Underground Cultural Heritage: applications on the Siena Bottini (Italy)
    (The Eurographics Association, 2025) Rossi, Gioele; Ceccotti, Paolo; Troilo, Maria Elena Di; Gabbrielli, Fabio; Giamello, Marco; Tavarnelli, Enrico; Tizzani, Antonio; Campana, Stefano; Ferdani, Daniele; Graf, Holger; Guidi, Gabriele; Hegarty, Zackary; Pescarin, Sofia; Remondino, Fabio
    The 3D survey of underground systems is an important tool for geometric surveys, thematic mapping, documentation of the state of conservation, monitoring, planning of restoration and maintenance interventions, safety and use. The aim of the research is to test an innovative, economical, rapid and non-invasive system for the survey of underground environments. An example of an underground system is that of the bottini Senesi, a set of tunnels present in the subsoil of the city of Siena for a total development of 25 km. These ancient underground environments, created in the past for the supply and distribution of drinking water in the city of Siena, represent a complex and articulated structure, and constitute an important hidden heritage of the city. Inside them it is difficult to use topographic survey tools, 3D scanners and RTK (Real-Time Kinematics) due to lack of space, brightness and satellite coverage. The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology integrated into Apple iPhone PRO devices was therefore used in some sections of the bottini, where the technologies grouped in a single instrument, which are based on photogrammetry, on LiDAR laser pulses and on data processing through triangular meshing, allow for rapid three-dimensional surveys. The detail of the scans was obtained with the use of an electronic stabilizer, for better fluidity in the survey, and of a LED light for intense and homogeneous illumination. All integrated with metric evaluations carried out with the aid of an electronic range finder to verify the measurements taken. The results present clear colours and shapes, despite the presence of a planimetric deviation of a few centimetres given by various factors such as too sudden scanning movements, lack of effective lighting and/or distant positioning of the photogrammetry targets. The adoption of LiDAR technology on mobile devices, therefore, represents a significant step in the documentation and protection of underground systems, such as the Bottini Senesi, characterized by difficult logistical conditions of detection, and offers new tools for the knowledge and conservation of cultural heritage. The integration of a detailed 3D model with GIS software and 3D modeling platforms facilitates historical, archaeological, geological and structural analysis, supporting and documenting maintenance, restoration and conservation interventions. The data collected can also be used for scientific dissemination and the enhancement of heritage, also through digital reconstructions and virtual tours.