Close-range photogrammetry, virtual reality and their integration in archaeology

The paper describes an experience of integration of different topographic and photogrammetric surveying methods, together with photographic virtual reality techniques, in the area of the ancient town of Bakchias (Fayyum, Egypt). The surveys were conducted with the aim of recording metrical, and non metrical information, in a common reference system, allowing to support GIS based multimedia realisations. The capabilities and advantages of the application of digital techniques in archaeology and Cultural Heritage are shown by some examples, related to surveying of structures and small objects. One main objective of the work is to assess the potentiality of virtual reality technologies as core of a system permitting a site to be studied from remote locations using Internet; the use of these technologies are today mainly devoted to qualitative purposes (visualisation and interactive exploration), but the interface with simple surveying software applications, based on digital photogrammetry, could bring new powerful instruments also for metrical investigation.