Critical factors and guidelines for 3D surveying and modelling in Cultural Heritage

The 3D digitization of sites or objects, normally referred to “realitybased 3D surveying and modelling”, is based on 3D optical instruments able to deliver accurate, detailed and realistic 3D results. Nowadays many non-experts are facing the 3D world and its technologies (hardware and software) due to their easiness of use but a not correct use leads to wrong results and conclusions. The goal of the article is to critically report the 3D digitization pipeline with some Cultural Heritage examples. Based on our experiences, some guidelines are drawn as best practices for non-experts and to clearly point out the right approach for every goal and project.