Epigraphy in Motion: Deciphering Armenia's Tapanakar Inscriptions via Mobile LiDAR
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Eurographics Association
Abstract
The vibrant and largely untold histories of ancient Armenian ancestors, as depicted in tapanakars found across Armenian cemeteries, face the threat of erasure. This research initiative is dedicated to the documentation and preservation of these important cultural narratives by harnessing modern mobile technology, specifically employing photogrammetry and LiDAR capabilities available in current iPhone models. This technological application facilitated the acquisition of 54 new scans from various regions in Armenia, each rigorously analyzed and supplemented with detailed descriptions to provide insights into their historical and cultural context. In collaboration with experts in symbolism and iconography, this study undertook a comprehensive interpretive analysis of the carvings on these monuments. These efforts culminated in creating a robust database that not only archives visual and textual information but also serves as an invaluable tool for scholars and archaeologists engaged in research and preservation activities. Furthermore, the integration of photogrammetry and LiDAR in smartphone technology establishes a versatile and accessible approach to data collection, making these tools especially suitable for fieldwork under diverse conditions. This advanced database also provides a foundation for the development of artificial intelligence models aimed at reconstructing fragmented or incomplete monuments virtually. By leveraging these technologies, we aim to restore, preserve, and animate the forgotten stories embodied in the tapanakars, ensuring their continued relevance and accessibility for future generations.
Description
@inproceedings{10.2312:dh.20253322,
booktitle = {Digital Heritage},
editor = {Campana, Stefano and Ferdani, Daniele and Graf, Holger and Guidi, Gabriele and Hegarty, Zackary and Pescarin, Sofia and Remondino, Fabio},
title = {{Epigraphy in Motion: Deciphering Armenia's Tapanakar Inscriptions via Mobile LiDAR}},
author = {Shord, Zachary and Roy, Marley and Grigoryan, Zara and Yeghiazaryan, Anahit and Baghdasaryan, Satenik},
year = {2025},
publisher = {The Eurographics Association},
ISBN = {978-3-03868-277-6},
DOI = {10.2312/dh.20253322}
}