Towards an Integrated Approach to the Digitization of Cultural Heritage: a Case Study from Survey to Information Management

The advancement of reality capture technologies has significantly accelerated the digitization possibilities of Cultural Heritage (CH), while the practical implementation of these technologies and tools raises new challenges to be addressed. This paper describes some research experiences in the field of Cultural Heritage digitization, presenting the benefits of a multiple sensors survey approach to produce accurate and complete models of architecture. The article presents three case studies concerning different Cultural Heritage sites and monuments and their digitization project: the bell towers and apse of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Giovanni Battista in Aosta, the Giuturna Spring in the Archaeological Park of Colosseo in Rome, and Milan Cathedral. The cases studies correspond to illustrate the holistic digitization approach, considering possible problems when come to articulated and complicated architectural spaces, openair and large range cultural heritage, from data acquisition, survey integration, to data sharing and information management through web platforms. The process of multi-sensor data acquisition involves the integration of data coming from various sources like terrestrial laser scanners (TLS), close-range and UAV photogrammetry, and multi-camera photogrammetric systems. This integration process has become dominant in the digitalization practices, for it allows for a more completed and accurate representation of the surveyed areas, compensating for each survey technique limitation. The resulting 3D models aims at being as the most complete and representative as possible, according to the survey conditions and intrinsic limitations. Regarding the problem of data use and sharing among experts in wide span of disciplines, presents the promising role of web platforms for 3D data management. These platforms provide a centralized repository where data can be stored, organized, and accessed by users and ensure a proficient experience also from digital devices with light computational power. The paper explores the potential future possibilities offered by the possible adoption of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of Cultural Heritage. Primary concerns of integrating AI and automation into cultural heritage digitization were discussed. Addressed also possible challenges and ontoligical issues that may arise with the increased use of these technologies.