Documentation and Digital Applications in Conservation

Course Description

The course aims at the analysis of documentation and recording, in digital instruments and in the methodology of digitization actions, in the introduction of basic digital technologies and in the reverse modeling of cultural objects.

Extensive and thorough use of Information and Communication Technologies for the capture and digital modeling of objects and monuments through photogrammetry applications and the use of modern software that produce high-precision 3D models.

Deepening in the concepts and methodologies of digital documentation and modeling through capture and document objects and monuments using image-based modeling.

Students will select objects through visits to archeological sites and museums in Athens.

Lab topics include understanding and developing combined digital environments for creating and editing digital 3D models. Application of specialized software through laboratory issues of increasing complexity.

Learning outcomes:

The course is provided in the form of a synthetic course where the following sections are developed:

• Digital 3D representations in the field of culture.
• Basic concepts of capturing cultural evidence.
• Categories of 3D data based on digital acquisition.
• Framework of capture procedures based on passive scanning methods.
• Framework of capture procedures based on active scanning methods.
• Post-processing (geometric and topological) of captured digital data.
• Digital applications for digital editing and post-processing of 3D grids(MeshLab, Cloud Compare, Blender)
• Information systems in culture and conservation. Knowledge representation systems.
• Methods and standards of documentation of the procedures of preservation of antiquities and works of art. Electronics vs. traditional documentation. Conceptual Reference Model CIDOC-CRM  (ISO 21127:2006).

The students undertake the issue of final work which they present and support in the laboratory.

The Scope of the Course and Objectives

The course focuses on applications of computer graphics and modeling of geometric and conceptual knowledge in culture and especially in the preservation of antiquities and works of art.

It is a fundamental framework for introducing concepts of 3D digitization and processing of geometric and color models as a basis for documenting the current condition of cultural objects.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• understand the interdisciplinary approach and the breadth of computer graphics technologies in the conservation of antiquities and works of art,
• understand the context of reverse modeling and editing systems
• understand the basic principles governing the procedures of special photography and photo editing to create 3D digital surrogates.
• understand the importance of color balance in digital photography and be familiar with the use of relevant programs.
• have the ability to process digital 3D objects and be able to handle relevant post-processing software.
• know the capabilities and limits of 3D digital applications for documenting and supporting maintenance tasks and processes.
• apply international standards for digital documentation of cultural information and conservation processes data.

Digital skills in software for 2D documentation (AutoCad), photogrammetry (Recap Photo, Reality Capture, Meshroom), and 3D graphics processing (Meshlab, CloudCompare).

 

STUDENT ASSESSMENT

Language of evaluation: Greek (English for Erasmus students).

Students’ evaluation (100%): Written essay (60%) Theoretical essay (25%) Presentation of Work (15%)

 

SUGGESTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

P. Alliez, etal. (2017). Digital 3D Objects in Art and Humanities: challenges of creation, interoperability and preservation. White paper. Bordeaux, France. Arbace L., et al. (2013). Innovative uses of 3D digital technologies to assist the restoration of a fragmented terracotta statue. Journal of Cultural Heritage, Vol. 14, No. 4.. Champion, E., Rahaman, H., (2019), ‘3D Digital Heritage Models as Sustainable Scholarly Resources.’ Sustainability, 11, no. 8: 2425. B. Chanda, S. Chaudhuri, S. Chaudhury (Eds.), (2018). Heritage Preservation. Singapore: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7221-5_1. ICOM-CC, (2013). Updates in Paintings Conservation & Documentation: New Developments in Databases, Documentation and the Technical Imaging of Paintings Proceedings of the ICOM-CC Documentation & Paintings Working Groups Joint Interim Meeting, 21/9/13 2013, RKD, The Hague. Historic England (2017). Photogrammetric Applications for Cultural Heritage. Guidance forGood Practice. Swindon. Historic England. Historic England (2018). 3D Laser Scanning for Heritage: Advice and Guidance on the Use of Laser Scanning in Archaeology and Architecture. Swindon. Historic England. Linder, Wilfried. (2009). Digital Photogrammetry: A Practical Course. 10.1007/978-3-540-92725-9. NaoumidouN, ,Chatzidaki M,, Alexopoulou A., (2008). “ARIADNE” conservation documentation system: conceptual design and projection on the CIDOC CRM framework and limits. Annual Conference of CIDOC, Athens, September 15-18, 2008. Stanco F., Battiato S., Gallo G. (2011). Digital Imaging for Cultural Heritage Preservation: Analysis, Restoration, and Reconstruction of Ancient Artworks. LA, USA: CRCPress. Χατζηδάκη Μ., (2005). Η Αναγκαιότητα της Τεκμηρίωσης των Εργασιών συντήρησης. Η Τεκμηρίωση της Συντήρησης και η Συντήρηση της Τεκμηρίωσης, Πρακτικά: Συντήρηση και Έκθεση Συντηρημένων Έργων. Υπ.Πο., Βυζαντινό Και Χριστιανικό Μουσείο, Σειρά: Μικρά Μουσειολογικά 1. Χατζηδάκη Μ., (2005). Η τεκμηρίωση των εργασιών συντήρησης μουσειακών συλλογών: αναγκαιότητα προβλήματα και σύγχρονες προοπτικές, Τετράδια Μουσειολογίας, τ. 2, 2005 σ.31-36.

– JOURNALS: -Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage (JOCCH) – Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage – International Journal on Digital Libraries