Photogrammetric techniques for terrestrial and Underwater Cultural Heritage
University of Calabria
Reference Teacher: Fabio Bruno
Teacher(s): Fabio Bruno, Antonio Lagudi
The course aims to provide an overview of 3D survey methods and technologies for the terrestrial and underwater Cultural Heritage. More specifically, the course aims to provide knowledge and skills concerning terrestrial and underwater photogrammetry tools and techniques for 3D recording of the Cultural Heritage, digital technologies to support surveying and documentation of the terrestrial and underwater Cultural Heritage.
PhD training program in “TEACH – TEchnology applied to Cultural Heritage”
The students will acquire comprehensive knowledge of the technologies used to document archaeological, artistic, and cultural artifacts through photography and digital photogrammetry. Additionally, the students will learn about the potential uses of these technologies in the valorization and communication of cultural heritage, including the creation of simple 3D models. The student’s level of knowledge and understanding will be assessed by evaluating their grasp of technical language and the alignment of their work with established methodological principles.
The course is highly practical, requiring the students to apply their knowledge throughout all phases. By the end of the course, the students will be able to implement their acquired digital skills effectively. They will need to demonstrate the practical application of their knowledge through feasible projects, such as planning and executing the graphic documentation of a cultural asset. This includes the entire process from data and image acquisition to selecting and employing the most suitable representation methods. The students will be expected to:
– Implement their skills in real-world applications, demonstrating the practical use of their knowledge in various digital and physical media.
– Conduct thorough data and image acquisition for cultural heritage documentation.
– Apply photogrammetric techniques to create accurate 3D models and visual representations.
– Develop comprehensive plans for documenting cultural assets, including choosing appropriate technologies and methods.
The students will develop the ability to independently and originally approach project development, improving skills that enable them to tackle unexpected situations and devise innovative solutions. They must be able to critically assess the reliability of measurements and data processing, determining the accuracy and validity of the results. This involves evaluating methodologies, identifying potential errors, and making informed decisions to ensure the integrity of the documentation process.
The students will develop the ability to communicate effectively in various formats, including reports, presentations, and papers, to convey the results and summaries of their work. They will learn to collaborate with other specialists in designing applications and multimedia communication activities for cultural heritage utilization. Teamwork will be emphasized, requiring students to communicate and coordinate with each other effectively. Students will be encouraged to present their work at external conferences, utilizing specific technical language that is also accessible to non-experts. Additionally, students will be encouraged to plan cultural events and activities to promote cultural heritage and sites of artistic interest, integrating digital technologies covered in the course.
Given the continuous and rapid evolution of computer science applications in terrestrial and underwater cultural heritage, the students must be equipped to independently learn new techniques and methodologies. The students will develop the ability to autonomously keep up with advancements in the field and apply their knowledge to propose original solutions in tools and methods. This involves cultivating a proactive approach to lifelong learning, ensuring they can adapt to and integrate emerging technologies and practices effectively.
Basic knowledge of photography and computer graphics. Familiarity with cultural heritage concepts is recommended.
The course includes a combination of lectures and seminars. Some sessions feature practical demonstrations of digital tools, with a focus on freeware and open-source options. During the exercises, students will work on real case studies, applying their knowledge to practical scenarios and gaining hands-on experience.
At the end of the course, a questionnaire will be administered to the students containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Questions are addressed to evaluate the knowledge and skills acquired during the course.
The course includes a specialized module on Underwater 3D Photogrammetry, focusing on fundamental areas essential for gaining expertise in this field. It begins with a detailed exploration of digital photography principles, providing a strong foundation for capturing high-quality images. Following this, students will learn key techniques and tools for processing underwater images, ensuring that photographs taken in challenging underwater environments are optimized for further analysis. The course also covers specific methodologies, tools, and techniques unique to underwater photogrammetry, equipping participants with the skills needed to construct three-dimensional models from underwater imagery. By the end of the course, students will have developed the necessary knowledge and digital skills to effectively perform underwater 3D photogrammetry.
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievement of the following goals: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 14: Life Below Water; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 13: Climate Action.
The “Photogrammetric techniques for terrestrial and underwater cultural heritage” course is part of the TEACH (TEchnology applied to Cultural Heritage) PhD programme and it is accessible to all students enrolled in research doctorates at the University of Calabria.
More information at the following link:
https://www.unical.it/didattica/offerta-formativa/dottorati/?lang=en
For further information or specific inquiries, you may contact the “Educational Services Area” of the University of Calabria using the contact details and methods provided at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/contatta-i-servizi-didattici/?lang=en
– Overview of photogrammetry: History and applications
– Principles of digital photography and photogrammetry
– Types of photogrammetry: Aerial, terrestrial, and underwater
– Importance of photogrammetry in cultural heritage
– The use and benefits of photogrammetry in other scientific disciplines (e.g. archeological interpretation, oceanography, topography)
– Cameras and lenses suitable for photogrammetry
– Lighting considerations for terrestrial and underwater environments
– Introduction to photogrammetric software
– Setting up and calibrating equipment for photogrammetric surveys
– Examples of online open access software for photogrammetry
– Planning and conducting a terrestrial photogrammetric survey
– Image acquisition: Techniques and best practices
– Processing terrestrial photogrammetric data
– Generating 3D models and orthophotos from terrestrial surveys
– Challenges of underwater photogrammetry
– Equipment and techniques for underwater image capture
– Managing underwater lighting and visibility issues
– Processing underwater photogrammetric data
– Creating 3D models and orthophotos from underwater surveys
– Post-processing techniques for photogrammetric data
– Software tools for data cleaning and enhancement
– Analyzing photogrammetric data for cultural heritage documentation
– Case studies of successful photogrammetric projects in cultural heritage
- Teaching material and tutorials will be provided by the lecturers.