Research on digital Atlas construction and identification for Taihu stones

Taihu stone, a natural limestone from the Taihu Lake basin in China, is characterized by perforations and irregular geometries formed through long-term water erosion and dissolution. Widely used in classical Chinese gardens, its morphological evolution remains quantitatively underexplored. This study examines Taihu stones from the Sui–Tang, Song–Yuan, and Ming–Qing periods based on point-cloud data obtained through multi-source 3D acquisition. Key parameters, including height, perforation characteristics, volumetric proportions, and morphological complexity, were quantitatively analyzed. The results show a morphological shift from relatively massive to more slender forms, increased perforation development, and greater morphological complexity. A digital morphological atlas of Taihu stones was then constructed to support cross-period comparison and digital reconstruction. This study provides a quantitative basis for typological analysis, identification, digital reconstruction, and heritage conservation of Taihu stones, and offers a reference for digital research on garden stones and cultural heritage.