Nicola Amico
Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence), VAST-LAB, Department Member
- Classical Archaeology, Archaeological GIS, Digital Archaeology, 3D Modelling (Architecture), Photogrammetry, Aerial Archaeology, and 35 moreVirtual Reference, Virtual Reconstruction, 3D Acquisition, Digital Heritage, 3D Laser Scanning (Archaeology), Archaeology, Digital Humanities, Digital Libraries, Metadata, Ontologies, Knowledge representation, Semantic web, Cloud computing, Ontology based data access, Knowlede management, 3d Modeling, 3D Reconstruction, Digital Photogrammetry applied to Archaeology, Digital heritage in architecture, Virtual Museums, Structure from Motion, Aerial Photogrammetry, Terrestrial Laser Scanning, 3D Laser scanning (Architecture), Digital Museum, 3d Reconstructions in Archaeology, Museum Informatics, Cyprus Archaeology, Interactive Multimedia Applications, 3D laser scanner, Digital Representation, 3D GIS, Heritage Conservation, Cultural Heritage Conservation, Virtual Archaeology, Technologies Applied to Cultural Heritage, London Charter, Archaeological Method & Theory, Archaeological Science, and Museologyedit
ABSTRACT Cypriot archaeology presents a complex and challenging reality when compared with issues related to documentation of its Cultural Heritage. Due to its exceptional archaeological richness, the island of Cyprus was subject to... more
ABSTRACT Cypriot archaeology presents a complex and challenging reality when compared with issues related to documentation of its Cultural Heritage. Due to its exceptional archaeological richness, the island of Cyprus was subject to archaeological investigations as early as the 18th century. Since then, and especially before the establishment of the state of Cyprus in 1960, tons of archaeological material were removed and now populate major museums around the world. Modern digital technologies, in particular 3D representation and image processing techniques for the documentation, interpretation, monitoring degrade and the heritage asset management have been extensively employed in the past three years, by the team of STARC at The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus. The main goal of this research is to understand which technique fits more to the archaeological reality of Cyprus, in order to define an optimal methodology that could give satisfying answers to both the scientific and local administration communities. The paper will analyse various methods of 3D documentation, including 3D laser scanning techniques, terrestrial photogrammetry, 3D interpretation techniques, and CAD systems and their integration, allowing the direct comparison between the different methodologies.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
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The paper proposes to use CIDOC-CRM and its extension CRMdig to document the planning and execution of 3D models of cultural objects in or- der to manage the quality of the replicas. Full documentation of every process is key to guarantee... more
The paper proposes to use CIDOC-CRM and its extension CRMdig to document the planning and execution of 3D models of cultural objects in or- der to manage the quality of the replicas. Full documentation of every process is key to guarantee the quality of the outcomes according to the industrial ap- proach to quality known as Quality Management, for example as described to ISO9001:2008.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Integration of architectural datasets concerning historic buildings de- pends on their interoperability, which has as first step a mapping to a common schema. The paper investigates current approaches and proposes mapping to a CIDOC-CRM... more
Integration of architectural datasets concerning historic buildings de- pends on their interoperability, which has as first step a mapping to a common schema. The paper investigates current approaches and proposes mapping to a CIDOC-CRM extension as the common glue to overcome the fragmentation of datasets provided by large national institutions such as MIBAC in Italy, EH in the UK, and so on, and by EU projects, each one structured according to a dif- ferent metadata schema. The paper describes the mapping of the MA-CA MIBAC-ICCD schemas, probably the most comprehensive, to CRM.
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Conservation, protection and study of Architectural Heritage (AH) are based on the complete knowledge and documentation of its complex morphology, its architectonic components and all events related to the building. A key issue for a full... more
Conservation, protection and study of Architectural Heritage (AH) are based on the complete knowledge and documentation of its complex morphology, its architectonic components and all events related to the building.
A key issue for a full recording of a monument is related to the cataloguing process, which is the action of registration, description and classification of Cultural Heritage (CH) assets.
Many Cultural Institutions and National Bodies have been working towards the development of standards to make documentation uniform, retrieve information about Cultural Heritage, promote data sharing, improve content management and reduce redundant efforts.
To regulate the cataloguing activity, rules, guidelines and indications were defined. In particular, thesauri were adopted to provide, with a controlled vocabulary, structure and guidelines for standardization of terms, avoiding ambiguity and subjectivity of documentation and the loss of important information.
Some of these data standards have been defined within a national framework, such as the ICCD schema (Italy)or the MIDAS standard (England); others aim at guaranteeing data interoperability, such as, among others, LIDO and the CARARE schema.
In this paper we carry out an assessment and comparison of the above mentioned schemas and standards, along with the schema adopted by l'Inventaire général du patrimoine culturel (France).
After an analysis of the formal description of the single metadata schemas, we carried out the mapping of the different schemas to each other. The analysis is performed taking into consideration the RecorDim guidelines for documenting CH places.
As a result, the mappings described in the paper enable the interoperability of data stored according to different metadata schemas. Furthermore the paper highlights properties, equivalencies and shortcomings of the schemas, confirming the idea that a more comprehensive documentation standard for Architectural Heritage is needed.
A key issue for a full recording of a monument is related to the cataloguing process, which is the action of registration, description and classification of Cultural Heritage (CH) assets.
Many Cultural Institutions and National Bodies have been working towards the development of standards to make documentation uniform, retrieve information about Cultural Heritage, promote data sharing, improve content management and reduce redundant efforts.
To regulate the cataloguing activity, rules, guidelines and indications were defined. In particular, thesauri were adopted to provide, with a controlled vocabulary, structure and guidelines for standardization of terms, avoiding ambiguity and subjectivity of documentation and the loss of important information.
Some of these data standards have been defined within a national framework, such as the ICCD schema (Italy)or the MIDAS standard (England); others aim at guaranteeing data interoperability, such as, among others, LIDO and the CARARE schema.
In this paper we carry out an assessment and comparison of the above mentioned schemas and standards, along with the schema adopted by l'Inventaire général du patrimoine culturel (France).
After an analysis of the formal description of the single metadata schemas, we carried out the mapping of the different schemas to each other. The analysis is performed taking into consideration the RecorDim guidelines for documenting CH places.
As a result, the mappings described in the paper enable the interoperability of data stored according to different metadata schemas. Furthermore the paper highlights properties, equivalencies and shortcomings of the schemas, confirming the idea that a more comprehensive documentation standard for Architectural Heritage is needed.
Research Interests:
3D printing is considered the new revolution in the field of cultural heritage and archaeology, contributing to the definition of new horizons in the conservation and communication sector. 3D physical replicas can replace original objects... more
3D printing is considered the new revolution in the field of cultural heritage and archaeology, contributing to the definition of new horizons in the conservation and communication sector. 3D physical replicas can replace original objects that are inaccessible or not available due to their conservation state, their fragility or that cannot be moved because too valuable. Furthermore, a 3D replica can be a valid substitute of lost museum artifacts. This paper presents the case study of the physical replica of the so called Kazafani boat. The 13th century artifact is made of pottery and it is permanently exhibited at the Cyprus Museum. It was found within a tomb at the Kazafani village (Cyprus) in 1963. Recently it was chosen to be part of a travelling exhibition to the Smithsonian Museum (USA), but due to its fragility could not be moved. For this reason a campaign of 3D data acquisition was planned to create an accurate digital replica of the artwork with the aim of making a physical replica to substitute the real object. Size, shape, colours, surface markings, even evidence of past damage and previous episodes of restoration, were all recorded. An exact physical replica of the boat was created with a powder 3D printer. A further implication of this approach enabled conservators to interact and analyze the replicated boat in detail preventing any damage to the original.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Cypriot archaeology presents a complex and challenging reality when compared with issues related to documentation of its Cultural Heritage. Due to its exceptional archaeological richness, the island of Cyprus was subject to archaeological... more
Cypriot archaeology presents a complex and challenging reality when compared with issues related to documentation of its Cultural Heritage. Due to its exceptional archaeological richness, the island of Cyprus was subject to archaeological investigations as early as the 18th century. Since then, and especially before the establishment of the state of Cyprus in 1960, tons of archaeological material were removed and now populate major museums around the world. Modern digital technologies, in particular 3D representation and image processing techniques for the documentation, interpretation, monitoring degrade and the heritage asset management have been extensively employed in the past three years, by the team of STARC at The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus. The main goal of this research is to understand which technique fits more to the archaeological reality of Cyprus, in order to define an optimal methodology that could give satisfying answers to both the scientific and local administration communities. The paper will analyse various methods of 3D documentation, including 3D laser scanning techniques, terrestrial photogrammetry, 3D interpretation techniques, and CAD systems and their integration, allowing the direct comparison between the different methodologies.
Research Interests:
A key element in any archaeological excavation is an accurate recording of the excavated material. Since the ar-chaeological process by itself is one of destruction, the need for an accurate documentation becomes even more imperious; when... more
A key element in any archaeological excavation is an accurate recording of the excavated material. Since the ar-chaeological process by itself is one of destruction, the need for an accurate documentation becomes even more imperious; when dealing with rescue excavations, where in most cases sites will be completely destroyed or in the best cases covered for posterity, the problem is augmented again. Another challenge is how to obtain an outcome that will serve later on archaeologists to understand their site and prepare an accurate scientific report, and have materials ready for a comprehensive publication. The paper presents the implications, advantages and challenges on using 3D documentation at rescue excavations, as preliminary experimented at the site of Ein Zippori, Israel. These were partially developed during the 3D-COFORM project, aiming at creating affordable 3D technologies and methodologies for the Cultural Heritage sector.
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The paper describes an ongoing project aiming at developing a benchmarking procedure for the definition of the most suitable methodology for different research goals like conservation, virtual restoration, web visualization, etc. Some... more
The paper describes an ongoing project aiming at developing a benchmarking procedure for the definition of the most suitable methodology for different research goals like conservation, virtual restoration, web visualization, etc. Some typical archaeological artifacts have been tested with the 3D laser scanner NextEngine in order to define guidelines for the digital acquisition and post-processing of similar artefacts types. This test has been carried out focusing on the possible applications of the outcomes and on different parameters offered from the device. These recommendations should help CH professional interested in applying digital technologies in their routine work.
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The paper describes the process of 3D virtual reconstruction of an ancient fragmented vessel. The work followed several steps: identification of significant potsherds for the 3D reconstruction, the 3D acquisition of the fragments with... more
The paper describes the process of 3D virtual reconstruction of an ancient fragmented vessel. The work followed several steps: identification of significant potsherds for the 3D reconstruction, the 3D acquisition of the fragments with laser scanner, the analysis of the 3D model (diameter, vertical projection, orientation and thickness), 3D reconstruction and modelling of the vessel, photographic acquisition and ortho-stereoscopic rendering for 3D visualization.
Research Interests:
Conservation, protection and study of Architectural Heritage (AH) are based on the complete knowledge and documentation of its complex morphology, its architectonic components and all events related to the building. A key issue for a... more
Conservation, protection and study of Architectural Heritage (AH) are based on the complete knowledge and documentation of its complex morphology, its architectonic components and all events related to the building.
A key issue for a full recording of a monument is related to the cataloguing process, which is the action of registration, description and classification of Cultural Heritage (CH) assets.
Many Cultural Institutions and National Bodies have been working towards the development of standards to make documentation uniform, retrieve information about Cultural Heritage, promote data sharing, improve content management and reduce redundant efforts.
To regulate the cataloguing activity, rules, guidelines and indications were defined. In particular, thesauri were adopted to provide, with a controlled vocabulary, structure and guidelines for standardization of terms, avoiding ambiguity and subjectivity of documentation and the loss of important information.
Some of these data standards have been defined within a national framework, such as the ICCD schema (Italy)or the MIDAS standard (England); others aim at guaranteeing data interoperability, such as, among others, LIDO and the CARARE schema.
In this paper we carry out an assessment and comparison of the above mentioned schemas and standards, along with the schema adopted by l'Inventaire général du patrimoine culturel (France).
After an analysis of the formal description of the single metadata schemas, we carried out the mapping of the different schemas to each other. The analysis is performed taking into consideration the RecorDim guidelines for documenting CH places.
As a result, the mappings described in the paper enable the interoperability of data stored according to different metadata schemas. Furthermore the paper highlights properties, equivalencies and shortcomings of the schemas, confirming the idea that a more comprehensive documentation standard for Architectural Heritage is needed.
A key issue for a full recording of a monument is related to the cataloguing process, which is the action of registration, description and classification of Cultural Heritage (CH) assets.
Many Cultural Institutions and National Bodies have been working towards the development of standards to make documentation uniform, retrieve information about Cultural Heritage, promote data sharing, improve content management and reduce redundant efforts.
To regulate the cataloguing activity, rules, guidelines and indications were defined. In particular, thesauri were adopted to provide, with a controlled vocabulary, structure and guidelines for standardization of terms, avoiding ambiguity and subjectivity of documentation and the loss of important information.
Some of these data standards have been defined within a national framework, such as the ICCD schema (Italy)or the MIDAS standard (England); others aim at guaranteeing data interoperability, such as, among others, LIDO and the CARARE schema.
In this paper we carry out an assessment and comparison of the above mentioned schemas and standards, along with the schema adopted by l'Inventaire général du patrimoine culturel (France).
After an analysis of the formal description of the single metadata schemas, we carried out the mapping of the different schemas to each other. The analysis is performed taking into consideration the RecorDim guidelines for documenting CH places.
As a result, the mappings described in the paper enable the interoperability of data stored according to different metadata schemas. Furthermore the paper highlights properties, equivalencies and shortcomings of the schemas, confirming the idea that a more comprehensive documentation standard for Architectural Heritage is needed.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
There are many approaches available for the 3D documentation of cultural heritage, but the most com-mon is the combination of different methodologies in order to compensate the weakness of each one. This paper describes the utilization of... more
There are many approaches available for the 3D documentation of cultural heritage, but the most com-mon is the combination of different methodologies in order to compensate the weakness of each one. This paper describes the utilization of two technologies: aerial photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning. The integration aims to obtain a detailed 3D model of the Hellenistic-Roman Theatre of Paphos, Cyprus. The photogrammetric device is an innovative system (FlyScan) that allowed to survey the whole theatre in a fast and reliable way; the laser scanner was used to acquire the areas that are not visible from above. The integration of this two technologies produced a realistic looking model with an high geomet-ric accuracy.
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The use of technology in documenting cultural heritage increases significantly in the recent years. There are many methodologies can be used for this aim. In this paper it will be shown a comparison between two different acquisition... more
The use of technology in documenting cultural heritage increases significantly in the recent years. There are many methodologies can be used for this aim. In this paper it will be shown a comparison between two different acquisition methods completely different in costs, time of acquisition, accuracy, portability and usability. The archaeological site of Pasydy has been used as bed-test: the analysis of the different phases of work, starting from the acquisition on the field, passing by the post processing and arriving to the final elaboration, has allowed to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and criticality of the techniques.
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In this paper we present the 3D reconstruction model of a stratigraphic excavation starting from a se-quence of images and using free software (ARC3D) and laser scanning. The flexibility of the approach of this kind of methodology and the... more
In this paper we present the 3D reconstruction model of a stratigraphic excavation starting from a se-quence of images and using free software (ARC3D) and laser scanning. The flexibility of the approach of this kind of methodology and the low cost of the instruments allow also the utilization by archaeologists themselves. Moreover the three-dimensional representation of an archaeological excavation contribute to a faster and more complete documentation of the stratigraphy.
An acquisition pipeline has been established in order to reproduce through photogrammetric techniques the layers of the stratigraphy destroyed by the excavation. Additionally laser scanning technique was used for the correct registration of the layers. The archaeological site of Pasydy was chosen as test case to show the potential of this approach.
An acquisition pipeline has been established in order to reproduce through photogrammetric techniques the layers of the stratigraphy destroyed by the excavation. Additionally laser scanning technique was used for the correct registration of the layers. The archaeological site of Pasydy was chosen as test case to show the potential of this approach.