Evaluation of SfM and LiDAR technology for mapping inscribed artifacts. Preliminary observations starting from the research project ‘Ravenna and Its Late Antique and Medieval Epigraphic Landscape’

Focusing on Late Antique epigraphic and architectural artifacts preserved in Italian and Greek contexts – starting from the research project ‘Ravenna and its Late Antique and Medieval Epigraphic Landscape’ – this study assesses the effectiveness of Structure from Motion (SfM) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) in generating 3D models suitable for sharing as open data within digital collections. The analysis compares the speed and accessibility of SfM and LiDAR in producing reconstructions, as well as their precision in capturing engravings and decorations. In fact, the research project on Epigraphy from Ravenna, under the guidance of Prof. S. Cosentino at the Department of Cultural Heritage of the Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, aims to digitize inscriptions in Ravenna spanning from 402 to 1441. A key project objective is to establish a digital platform that supports heritage communities, thus unveiling the yet undiscovered heritage of Ravenna. To date, approximately 110 epigraphs have been examined, most of which are situated in challenging-to-access locations. Given these circumstances, the feasibility of leveraging SfM and LiDAR technologies was explored. The study endeavours to underscore the paramount significance of advancing LiDAR technology in the realm of cultural heritage preservation and mapping.