Photogrammetry applied to Problematic artefacts

Abstract. The process of creating 3D accurate and faithful textured models from 2D images has been a major endeavor within the cultural heritage field. This field has general requirements, such as accuracy, portability and costs, that are often integrated by more specific needs such as the integration of color information. The aim of this paper is to show how photogrammetry can be a valid and reliable techniques for creating 3D models of museum artefacts even in case of objects with materials featuring difficult optical properties (absorptivity, reflectivity, scattering), challenging texture and complex shape/geometry. The main objective is to establish some core specifications for data acquisition and modeling, in order to guarantee the scientific quality of data and the interoperability of 3D models with the archaeologists and conservators. All these aspects are taken into consideration and presented with three study cases (two statues – one made of marble and one made of bronze – and a restored ceramic jug). The established, comprehensive and accessible pipeline for the creation of complex artefacts 3D models in the field of cultural heritage is presented and discussed.