Integration of Micro‐ CT and XRF Mapping for Multimodal 3D Analysis of Polychrome Wooden Artifacts

ABSTRACT Over the past 5 years, computer applications have become crucial to archeological research. Since the 1990s, the focus has transitioned from data management tools to the development of virtual models. Recently, digital documentation of cultural heritage has gained considerable focus, with 3D modeling of objects. The rendering and integration of images from micro‐CT (Micro Computed Tomography) and XRF mapping techniques are essential for analyzing artworks and cultural heritage. Micro‐CT provides detailed internal views of objects with high resolution, allowing examination without damage. Meanwhile, XRF mapping analyzes the surface composition of artworks, identifying materials and pigments. Combined, these methods deliver a thorough understanding of the structure and composition of cultural artifacts. However, these techniques are typically applied independently, and there is still a lack of integrated frameworks that enable the correlation of structural and compositional data within a unified 3D environment. This article investigates the fusion of 3D imaging techniques through an open‐source software package to create a comprehensive multimodal visualization that integrates micro‐CT and XRF mapping. The proposed methodology facilitates the automatic registration of surface scans and interactive visualization of aligned 3D images. The study integrates XRF mapping and micro‐CT data to analyze cultural heritage artifacts, employing the Micro‐XRF M4 Tornado (Bruker) and Crono (Bruker) for elemental mapping and micro‐CT was conducted using the Phoenix VTomex system, and the data was reconstructed using the Datos Reconstruction software. Image rendering utilized a Blender plugin to integrate 3D imaging modalities, combining CT data with surface scan data. Beyond the individual capabilities of each technique, the integration of micro‐CT and XRF plays a fundamental role in the analysis of wooden cultural artifacts. This combined approach enables the identification of pictorial materials and supports inferences regarding their provenance, while also contributing to the understanding of manufacturing processes, including carving techniques, preparation layers, and later interventions. The correlation between structural and compositional information enhances the interpretative potential in cultural archeology and provides more robust support for conservation and restoration strategies.