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The “E.Stone” project is based on the survey, documentation investigation and physical, geochemical and petrographic characterisation of the great zoomorphic and phytomorphic stones of Sardinia. The name chosen to indicate this project means the full value of these stones, standing before the beginning of human history. The main task of this project is the investigation and the documentation, both based on an accurate digital survey, taken using laser scanner units supported by topographical survey and integrated by GPS tracing and photographic and photogrammetric survey, with a meaningful research aimed to specific investigations on the rock characteristics. The further development of the collected data will be aimed to the definition of a digital “state of the knowledge” about the stone. This research will produce the following main benefits: the creation of a pilot monitoring station documenting the decay processes of stones for make the future projections on based on current alteration trends; the creation of a clear and stable archive of these monuments oriented to be a preservation tool; the opportunity to allow the reply, at any distance, a copy in any material of the original item.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is one of Ravenna’s UNESCO protected monuments, globally renowned for the extraordinary mosaic decorations that cover the internal surfaces. The famous starry vault profoundly engages and inspires the observer. It has been studied for its accuracy in the representation of the real sky, but also because of its mystical and symbolic meaning in relation to the iconographic tradition of the time. The building has also been subject of archeoastronomical research (Romano in Orientamenti ad sidera. Astronomia, riti e calendari per la fondazione di templi e citta. Un esempio a Ravenna. Edizioni Essegi, Ravenna, 1995), which is here presented in depth. The present contribution also examines other architectural elements beyond orientation: particular attention is payed to the small slit windows of the building to investigate their possible archaeoastronomical significance. In the study of these elements, particular attention should be payed to the elaboration of architectural survey data, which has to be produced following established procedures and techniques. A functional 3D model will be developed from the data of the archaeoastronomical analysis to display the original morphology of the building (the floor was about 1.4 m lower because of subsidence movements), astronomical phenomena, and allow for multimedia communication of the scientific content produced. Finally, the related issues will be investigated: the geometric and projective transformations of the starry dome, the geometric shape of space also in relation to the unit of measurement used.

The paper presents the first results of the Cortona Heritage Project, which takes the opportunity to use the techniques of Virtual heritage to implementing concrete and innovative modes making the very rich cultural heritage of ancient Tuscan cities accessible for more people and engaging new publics by promoting its knowledge among young generations.

Considering the built environment as the most enduring receiver of human behaviour, one can easily assume vernacular heritage as an objective consequence of the essential features of specific local communities. [...]

Here we address the roadmap of the Digital Cultural Heritage research group DigitCH group, which was set up in 2013 at the Department of Architecture, University of Florence. The aim of DigitCH group was to realize the link between scientifically validated methodologies and contents, innovative storytelling, and technological instrumentation. The spread of electronic devices has enabled rapid and easy technological fallout of research in the field of the acquisition-representation of the survey data expanding audiences and accelerating even an innovative approach to the whole knowledge of CH.

In the field of documentation of cultural heritage, the employment of surveying instruments and methods and graphic representation that use digital technology has become a consolidated praxis in the past decades. The literature of such issues tends to show, with few exceptions, the potential (often not fully expressed) of the latest hardware and software, throughout surveying experiences, some more intriguing than others (from a figurative point of view), without really indulging on the true problems behind their overall usage: from the very first data-acquisition to the final graphic panels. In truth, the procedures for digital survey are relatively new and not unanimously shared by the scientific community, and the central role taken by 3D digital models in such a processes is often mystified. Maquettes with apparent-colour textures, achieved throughout the integrated use of image-based techniques (digital photogrammetry) and range-based tools (laser scanner), do not always lead to a correct understanding and interpretation of the architectural artefacts, hence impedes to proficiently describe them throughout the codes of representation. The contribution aims to provide, with the chosen examples, some indications in this apparent paradox, with special emphasis on the limitations of nowadays technologies and the complications that could arise due to a-critical construction of digital models.

Six Mediterranean countries are participating in the "Mare Nostrum" project: "A Heritage Trail along the Phoenician maritime routes and through the historic port cities"; the goal of this project is to valorize the cultural heritage of the sites involved by promoting and supporting sustainable tourism. WP4 concentrates on the port cities of Tyre and Tartous, chosen as pilot sites. The on site research was conducted in accordance with the WP4 objectives: on the one hand a survey campaign was set up to acquire metric and qualitative data on the structures chosen as samples; on the other hand an enormous amount of photographic and video documentation was collected for the 3D models that were produced in the first phase. The paper will describe how the disciplines involved in Geomatics can provide important contributions to all four phases of the Heritage and Development framework.