Digital Reconstruction of Fragmented Cultural Heritage Assets: The Case Study of the Dacian Embossed Disk from Piatra Roșie
Applied Sciences
Abstract and Figures
The most peculiar characteristic of a cultural heritage is represented by its uniqueness. To ensure that an object is preserved against environmental deterioration, vandal attacks, and accidents, modern Cultural Heritage documentation involves 3D scanning technologies. In the case of fragmented artefacts, the digitization process represents an essential prerequisite for facilitating an accurate 3D reconstruction. The aim of this research paper is to present a framework that enables an accurate digital reconstruction of fragmented or damaged artefacts using ornament stencils obtained from 3D scan data. The proposed framework has been applied for the richly adorned ornaments of the fragmented Dacian embossed disk from Piatra Roșie. The case study makes use of the 3D dataset acquired, using a structured light scanner to extract vector displacement maps, which are then applied to the 3D computer-aided design (CAD) model. The output of the framework includes a proposed digital reconstruction of the aurochs fragmented Dacian embossed disk, as well as the ornaments’ stencils database. The proposed framework addresses problems that are associated with 3D reconstruction processes, such as self-intersections, non-manifold geometry, 3D model topology, and file format interoperability. Finally, the resulting 3D reconstruction has been integrated within virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) applications, as well as computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) based on additive manufacturing to facilitate the dissemination of the results.
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... Acke, et al. [3] conducted a study on the use of 3D technologies in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. Some studies focused on the digital reconstruction of objects, such as fragmented artefacts [4]. ...
... The advent of digital technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), has facilitated the creation of highly detailed designs and the effective management of construction projects at all stages. Virtual models allow effective communication between architects, engineers, and builders, enabling the resolution of issues before construction commences [4]. ...
... In regions with extreme climatic conditions, unique building materials and methods can be developed to protect structures from weather conditions [3]. 4. Developed countries may have access to more technological and economic resources for use in construction, including modern building materials and technologies. ...
The article is devoted to analyzing construction, reconstruction, and restoration technologies for historical objects in the context of architecture and building. It examines various techniques and methodologies, encompassing historical and contemporary approaches. The article discusses concepts and types and the importance of preserving cultural heritage and using cutting-edge technologies to restore historical sites. This study aims to examine and analyze the construction, reconstruction, and restoration technologies employed for historical objects in architecture and buildings. The research methodology analyzes literary sources, historical documents, and scientific articles covering historical objects' construction, reconstruction, and restoration. It also utilizes data from practical experience in restoration and construction projects. The methodology includes the analysis and comparison of different approaches, the study of historical contexts, and the evaluation of the impact of technologies on the preservation of cultural heritage. Throughout the research, various technologies for the construction, reconstruction, and restoration of historical objects were examined. It was found that these processes are complex and multifaceted, requiring a careful approach and the use of diverse methods and tools. The research demonstrated that modern technologies effectively restore and preserve historical objects, ensuring their long-term operation and protection from wear. However, addressing budget constraints, data loss, and other challenges requires a comprehensive approach and collaboration among various stakeholders. In light of the considerations above, further research in the construction and restoration field can contribute to the further development and improvement of these processes to preserve and restore cultural heritage for future generations.
... At that time, Avar warriors were thought to engage in looting after battles against the Byzantines. The following outlines the virtual reconstruction process that was carried out: [11] Another previous study is titled "Digital Reconstruction of Fragmented Cultural Heritage Assets: The Case Study of Dacian Embossed Disk from Piatra Roșie" [12]. This research focuses on the digital reconstruction of the fragmented Dacian embossed disk artifact from Piatra Roșie. ...
... Displacement Map Reconstruction Workflow Phase I [12] Fig. 7. Displacement Map Reconstruction Workflow Phase II[12] ...
Borobudur Temple, as a cultural heritage, experiences unavoidable damage from degradation, human activities, and disasters. These problems must be resolved by considering the form and value of Borobudur Temple for future generations. This research aims to reconstruct cultural heritage by focusing on the case study of the Kijang Sarabha relief at Borobudur Temple. Digital restoration has previously been conducted by the Borobudur Conservation Center using 3D photogrammetry laser scanning technology. This restoration effort will continue with the goal of sustainability. The research is practical in design and utilizes a black box process framework method, which consists of the following steps: inputting the 3D photogrammetry of the relief, analyzing literature, references, and documentation within the black box, and outputting the reconstructed deer relief object. The result of this research is a digital reconstruction of the Kijang Sarabha relief, which could serve as a recommendation for digital reconstruction processes for other cultural heritage objects. The techniques used not only rely on initial 3D photogrammetry data but also include 3D modeling techniques such as displacement mapping, pro cutter 3D, and texturing. This research can serve as a reference for further studies on the restoration and reconstruction of cultural heritage using 3D digital design technology.
... or a religious artefact (fig. 7f). The piece was crafted using the repoussé technique and features a central medallion depicting an aurochs walking to the left. Subsequent studies demonstrated that the fragments belonged to at least two distinct pieces, if not more (G.Florea, L. Suciu, 1995;R. Comes et al., 2022). ...
... Plan of the apsidal building based on archaeological data from 2021 and the location of the fragments found in 1949 (acc. to R.Comes et al., 2022) In 2003, new fragments were discovered in a pit that treasure hunters had dug near an apsidal building (G.Florea, I. V. Ferencz, 2007). Investigations by the prosecutor revealed that the looters had found a cache containing seven pieces stacked one on top of another. ...
This article examines the apsidal building at Piatra Roșie, focusing on the decorated iron discs found within its context, which form the basis for a reinterpretation of the structure's functionality. The analysis proposes that these discs, adorned with zoomorphic and vegetal motifs, likely served as an indication of identity and authority, representing clans, tribes or alliances. This interpretation supports the hypothesis that the building functioned as a gathering place for chieftains, where decisions were made and alliances reinforced under the leadership of a high-status figure, possibly the king. This perspective redefines the role of the Piatra Roșie site, traditionally regarded as an isolated defensive fortress, by suggesting its function as a potential royal centre that predates the establishment of Sarmizegetusa Regia.
... Wei et al. proposed a multi-dimensional digital replenishment framework for missing bronze fragments because most bronze artifacts unearthed in China suffered from missing fragments, and thus designed a geometric morphology editing technology for these missing fragments 17 . Comes et al. proposed a complete framework to address the accuracy and precision of 3D reconstruction by virtue of 3D scanning and reverse engineering techniques, and performed a virtual restoration of the Dacia relief discs 18 . ...
With advancements in technology, virtual restoration of garden heritage has gained significant attention, yet the restoration of stone settings remains underexplored. Stone setting, small and naturally flexible, are vital elements in Chinese classical gardens. This paper introduces a comprehensive method for their virtual restoration, encompassing evidence verification, data acquisition, model creation, evaluation, and utilization of results. The approach aims to achieve high-precision restoration of complex stone settings using 3D digital technology. Applied to the Lingfeng stone in Wenyuan Pavilion of Yuanmingyuan, the method involves 3D digitization for existing parts and photo perspective reversion, grid positioning, and informed speculation for missing sections. The model’s accuracy is scientifically assessed, and the restoration results are effectively utilized. This case study confirms the method’s efficacy in high-precision virtual restoration, supporting the preservation and promotion of stone elements in classical gardens and enhancing the dissemination of garden heritage restoration achievements.
... In recent decades, digitization emerged as a fundamental force in safeguarding, developing, and disseminating TH and ICH (Lian & Xie, 2024). This transformation was only possible with the advent of advanced digitization techniques for DT applications such as laser scanning and photogrammetry for surveying and mapping (Dufraisse, 2024); experiments and numerical simulations for assessment (Drougkas et al., 2020); Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) for management (Jia et al., 2022); and XR technologies (VR, AR, and MR) for display (De Paolis et al., 2022;Comes et al., 2022;Vlizos et al., 2021). These tools support preservation, museum exhibitions, historical site reconstructions, educational applications, and public engagement. ...
... (32,33) En este punto, se coincide con una importante línea de publicaciones que cuestiona el riesgo de simplificar contextos históricos complejos en reconstrucciones digitales, si bien también se reconoce el potencial para documentar tradiciones intangibles en peligro de desaparecer. (34,35,36) Este debate es fundamental porque, si bien la participación de expertos en patrimonio y cultura puede facilitar el rigor de los diseños, también las iniciativas dirigidas a monetizar pueden desvirtuar el resultado. ...
This article analyzes the literature regarding virtual reality (VR) and virtual worlds in cultural heritage preservation during the period 2018–2022. Through a hermeneutic review of specialized literature, key trends were identified that reveal how these technologies have evolved from visualization tools to active participation platforms. The findings reveal significant advances in the reconstruction of at-risk heritage, the documentation of intangible cultural expressions, and the creation of immersive educational experiences. However, tensions persist between technological innovation and accessibility, as well as ethical challenges surrounding the authentic representation of cultural contexts. The study highlights the need for collaborative frameworks that involve local communities in virtualization processes, ensuring that these initiatives not only preserve but also strengthen the emotional and identity-based connection with heritage. It concludes that while VR offers promising solutions, its implementation requires rigorous protocols that balance technical accuracy, social inclusion, and long-term sustainability.
... These 3D reconstructions enable museums and cultural institutions to digitally preserve and display items with a high level of realism. Through MR, users can interact with these reconstructions, exploring historical artifacts in their original context or virtually visiting archaeological sites [16,17]. ...
This work presents a mixed reality (MR) system designed to explore inaccessible cultural heritage sites through immersive and interactive experiences. The application features two versions: an asynchronous personalized guided system offering interactions tailored to individual users’ requests and a synchronous guided system providing a shared, collective navigation experience for all users. Both versions integrate innovative mechanics that allow users to explore virtual recreations of cultural sites. Multi-user functionality ensures the visibility of other users as avatars in the virtual environment, enabling collaborative exploration. The proposed application offers a GPS localization system for on-site experiences and a non-location-dependent option for remote settings. A user evaluation was conducted to assess the effectiveness and engagement of the system, providing insights into user preferences and the potential for MR technologies in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. The results highlight the application’s impact on accessibility, immersion, and multi-user interaction, paving the way for further innovation in MR cultural heritage exploration.
... Some examples are the works in Drossis et al. (2018) and Settembrini et al. (2018) with its virtual environments where users can touch and experience virtual replicas of cultural artefacts and historical objects, and access information through gesture, eye and head movement. Another benefit of these new technologies is the possibility of assembling new virtual exhibitions by bringing together artworks that would otherwise be found in separate museum spaces (Carvajal et al. 2020), or that are temporarily off display for reasons of restoration interventions (Comes et al. 2022). When used in an educational setting, XR technologies allow to accelerate the learning process by introducing a new form of knowledge transmission that ensures the learning experience is geared towards more modern people. ...
The growing attention towards immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), extended reality (XR), and the metaverse are revolutionizing cultural heritage education and tourism. Such technologies offer immersive and interactive experiences that transform the user’s exploration of museums, cultural heritage sites, educational content, and historical landmarks. This article presents a structured framework that addresses the advancement and application of these technologies in cultural heritage education to improve user experience, learning, emotional connection, and motivation. To further explore recent trends, issues, and opportunities, the article offers a comprehensive overview of the impact of state-of-the-art immersive technology on user experience within heritage education environments . The study also outlined standard questionnaires and effective methodologies for user experience evaluations. Furthermore, the article addresses the influence of standards and guidelines recommended by standardized bodies and organizations on XR and metaverse applications. It discussed how these standards and recommendations can play a role in setting protocols that shape the development of immersive heritage education environments. Finally, we introduce an architecture model for XR and metaverse applications that can assess developers, researchers, and stakeholders to enable immersive and interactive educational experiences, bridging geographical and physical barriers. This research is intended to help academic and industry stakeholders understand the integration of digital heritage preservation tools and user experience standards critical to advancing educational engagement in cultural heritage.
... This indicates that there is a need for proper conservation of flora occurring in the KNP. However, an authentic floristic dataset is an urgent prerequisite to facilitate management decisions for the protected area [64]. ...
Protected areas play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity and provide life supporting ecosystem services to sustain the human well-being and their livelihood. In the present study, we aimed to provide a preliminary floristic checklist of Kazinag National Park, located in the Kashmir Himalaya. The checklist includes 186 plant taxa (182 species, 2 subspecies and 2 varieties) belonging to 147 genera in 55 families. The angiosperms were represented by 181 species (97.3%) belonging to 142 genera in 53 families, while gymnosperms are represented by 5 species (2.7%) belonging to 5 genera in 2 families. Asteraceae was the dominant family with 24 species, followed by Ranunculaceae and Rosaceae with 14 and 13 species respectively. Astragalus, Erigeron and Impatiens were the dominant genera with 3 species each. The herbs were dominant (147 species, 79%), followed by shrubs (19, 10.2%) and trees (14, 7.5%). Lifespan wise, perennials were dominant (164 species, 88.2%), followed by annuals (21, 11.3%) and biennials (1, 0.5%). The hemicryptophytes were dominant (110 taxa, 59.1%), followed by phanerophytes (36, 19.4%) and therophytes (22, 11.8%). This is the first floristic checklist with assessment of their life-history traits from this Himalayan protected area, and the information can be used in conservation strategies and management decisions about this national park and other protected areas in the region.
Reconstructing a complete object from its parts is a fundamental problem in many scientific domains. The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic survey on this topic. This reassembly problem requires understanding the attributes of individual pieces and establishing matches between different pieces. Many approaches also model priors of the underlying complete object. Existing approaches are tightly connected problems of shape segmentation, shape matching, and learning shape priors. We provide existing algorithms in this context and emphasize their similarities and differences to general‐purpose approaches. We also survey the trends from early procedural approaches to more recent deep learning approaches. In addition to algorithms, this survey will also describe existing datasets, open‐source software packages, and applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive survey on this topic in computer graphics.
Digital heritage projects are an important tool in safeguarding cultural heritage and making it available to future generations. The work presented here synthesises 3D modelling techniques with the process of digitising artefacts. New digital reconstructions can be created based on authentic data. These are then implemented in various immersive learning opportunities, such as interactive activities and engaging virtual worlds. This is applied to the restoration of two Pictish symbol stones used in an online colour configurator tool and a virtual environment.
The role of 3D virtual reconstruction of lost heritage artefacts is acquiring ever-greater importance, as a support for archaeological research and art history studies, as well as a vehicle for the cultural and evocative involvement of the end-user. The main risk of virtual reconstruction is the lack of a faithful restitution but, conversely, very often the artefact conservation state does not allow a complete 3D reconstruction. Therefore, 2D sources, both textual and iconographic, represent a precious integration and completion of the existing 3D sources. This paper proposes an operating systematic workflow to integrate retrieved 2D and 3D sources and assess their compatibility for the virtual reconstruction of lost heritage artefacts using and integrating 3D survey and digital modelling. As a case study, we virtually reconstructed the lost equestrian monument of Duke Francesco III d'Este, 7 m high, built in 1774 in Modena, Italy, by the sculptor Giovanni Antonio Cybei and completely destroyed a little over 20 years later during the revolutionary uprisings. Following the proposed workflow, we integrate data coming from: a still preserved preparatory stucco model, paintings and engravings showing the missing details of the 3D model, a series of urban views returning the proportion and positioning of the monument (statue, pedestal and base), a fragment of the right foot providing the statue size and the appearance of the original white Carrara marble. The final 3D digital model shows a faithful correspondence to the 2D sources and guarantees an effective user’s fruition thanks to dedicated virtual applications. Besides the scientific and cultural goal, we highlight the evocative role of this work, which has contributed to the restitution of a monument that is unknown to most citizens and visitors.
3D modeling techniques have grown increasingly prevalent in a variety of disciplines, including cultural heritage and ship design. The methodology used in the 3D reconstruction of a traditional Greek boat with the Trechadiri hull type named “Aghia Varvara” is presented in this study. The original boat was built in 1925 and is characterized as a modern cultural heritage monument by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The digital reconstruction of the boat is explained in detail, including 3D laser scanning and computer aided geometric design (CAGD), as well as the description of the 3D printing process. The boat’s 3D digital model has been used for the enrichment of the NAVS Project’s digital library, demonstrating the unique geometrical, typological, and cultural characteristics of Greek traditional shipbuilding, a living craft which listed on Greece’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Thanks to recent technological developments in 3D surveys, computer graphics and virtual reality, new scenarios have been opened for the documentation and enhancement of ancient sculptures. When not totally preserved, sculptures can be digitally reproduced, modified and visualized to simulate their physical or virtual reconstruction in a non-invasive way for specialists or for dissemination aims. The virtual sculptural reconstruction process starts usually from the 3D survey of real fragments, and then continues by integrating missing parts with 3D modelling techniques by means of source evaluation. Along with primary data sources (reality-based model), secondary data sources (photos, drawings and 3D models of similar sculptures) can be directly used in the reconstruction process. This approach has a double advantage of making the reconstruction activities easier and less arbitrary, contributing to a decrease in the degree of uncertainty for the sculptural reconstruction work, also thanks to many iconographic comparisons to ancient copies. Moreover, virtual reconstruction can be easily visualized alongside a scalable rendering system using open-source Web3D apps and platforms, accessing information, 3D models and descriptions in order to enhance the experience of artworks. Inspecting theoretical and technical approaches, this work aims at establishing how primary and secondary data sources can be effectively used in sculptural reconstruction workflows, and how 3D outputs can be applied to implement digital sculptural heritage exploitation for museums and cultural institutions. The statues of Aesculapius and Hygeia from the sanctuary of Isis in Lilybaeum (Marsala, Italy) were chosen as a case study.
Three-dimensional laser scanning is a novel measurement technique that is frequently used for the documentation of cultural heritage (CH) objects. In the process of 3D scanning, one can obtain computing 3D models of artworks to be documented. It allows one to produce detailed digitized archives of important CH objects. Moreover, the use of 3D scanning enables the digital reconstruction of architectural fragments, sculptures, and other artworks. One more important application of this technique relates to the creation of molds and replicas for replacements of outdoor CH objects in case their preservation requirements do not allow them to remain in their original place due to the influence of environmental factors. One of the most effective ways of creating replicas is the use of laser additive technologies. Therefore, the combination of 3D scanning and additive technologies is a very promising way of preservation of CH. This paper describes several case studies concerned with the combined usage of 3D laser scanning and additive technologies for digital reconstruction and replication and of outdoor sculptures in St. Petersburg city. One of them is the reconstruction of the zinc sculpture “Eva at the fountain” (XIX century, England), which was destroyed during WWII. Its replica was created by means of laser stereolithography. Eventually, one more project is related to the reconstruction of the fragment of the sufficiently damaged cast-iron XIX century monument. This object was reconstructed using two laser technologies: direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and laser cladding (LC).
Colour calibration is a common procedure in the photography of archaeological objects, and there are sufficient tools to guarantee faithful digital (images) or analogue reproductions (paper printing, screen or display projectors, etc.). The 3D models obtained both photogrammetrically and, above all, by means of 3D scanners have not yet reached this development and are often constructed without much attention to the colourimetric quality of the result. Because of these factors, the present work has two objectives: 1) to measure the colour fidelity of 3D models to diagnose potential quality problems and 2) to propose a data collection and processing methodology that allows a significant improvement in the colour fidelity of 3D models built by means of 3D scanners. The methodology of colour calibration used in photography is applied to the modelling process. The construction and application of an ICC (International Colour Consortium) profile on the textures significantly reduce the overall error.
This reported research aims to explore the barriers and challenges of linked data implementation in libraries, archives, and museums to inform their future linked data policies and practices. A wide variety of sources was collected about the linked data use cases related to libraries, archives, and museums over the past decade and analyzed with the Raganathan’s five fundamental facets. The analysis revealed very few activities of effective knowledge management in the linked data implementation and suggested that it should arouse attention to the crucial role of knowledge management and innovation in linked data projects and services. The findings will add value to the literature of knowledge management in the context of linked data and semantic web.
Ceramics analysis, classification, and reconstruction are essential to know an archaeological site's history, economy, and art. Traditional methods used by the archaeologists for their investigation are time-consuming and are neither reproducible nor repeatable. The results depend on the operator's subjectivity, specialization, personal skills, and professional experience. Consequently, only a few indicative samples with characteristic components are studied with wide uncertainties. Several automatic methods for analysing sherds have been published in the last years to overcome these limitations. To help all the involved researchers, this paper aims to provide a complete and critical analysis of the state-of-the-art until the end of 2021 of the most important published methods on pottery analysis, classification, and reconstruction from a 3D discrete manifold model. To this end, papers in English indexed by the Scopus database are selected by using the following keywords: “computer methods in archaeology”, “3D archaeology”, “3D reconstruction”, “3D puzzling”, “automatic feature recognition and reconstruction”. Additional references complete the list found through the reading of selected papers. The 125 selected papers, referring to only archaeological potteries, are divided into six groups: 3D digitalization, virtual prototyping, Fragment features processing, geometric model processing of whole-shape pottery, 3D Vessel reconstruction from its fragments, classification, and 3D information systems for archaeological pottery visualization and documentation.
In the present review, the techniques considered for these issues are critically analysed to highlight their pros and cons and provide recommendations for future research.
Topology optimization (TO) has become an integral part of the structural design process in recent years. However, automatically deriving parametrized Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models from TO results still represents a great challenge. In this paper, we present a new fully automatic process aimed at converting 3D TO results that tend towards beam-like structures into solid CAD models. Our reconstruction process starts with curve-skeletonization of the optimized shape. The curve-skeleton obtained is used alongside with a boundary triangulation of the optimized shape to compute closed cross-sections along the skeleton branches and junctions at the intersection between branches. These cross-sections are interpolated with cubic B-spline fitting curves, which are used as a basis for lofting operations to generate CAD surface representations of branches and junctions of the optimized shape. Remaining openings in the optimized shape boundary are closed with filling surfaces. A solid CAD model can be built by sewing together all created surfaces and filling, by the way, the closed boundary that comes out of this process. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is carried out on both the 3D optimal shape and the CAD solid model derived in order to validate this CAD model. Several case studies are presented to demonstrate effectiveness and usefulness of this new approach.
A peculiar characteristic of cultural heritage objects is their uniqueness. This results in an enormous importance for their preservation against aging, accidents, destruction etc. Although not replacing physical preservation, one way is the digitization of the objects in their current state by modern scanning technologies. This research describes a new method to combine 3D shape and color texture data acquired without contact to achieve high-resolution 3D representations. The method was basis of a portable 3D digitization system. The portable character allows its application on-site, which is essential for sensitive and non-transportable objects. A structured-light 3D sensor and a photo camera are used to capture the object from various overlapping perspectives. Then, the 3D shape and photographic data are processed and merged into a complete textured 3D model. Resolution and accuracy of the final model are in the range of 0.1 mm. Beyond preservation, the models can be used to make museum objects digitally available for experts or visitors worldwide e.g. in the form of online databases or virtual museums. A first utilization of the presented technology was realized with historic globes, especially with a Schöner globe dating from 1515 as highlight. The used method can be extended beyond RGB texture acquisition using multi-/hyperspectral sensors leading to an increased information content about the objects.