A TECHNIQUE TO ENHANCE THE VISIBILITY OF INSCRIPTIONS
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 2020-11-14

Thanks to a treatment that makes use of algorithms derived from photogrammetry, Geographical Information System and image rendering, it’s possible to enhance the visibility of ancient inscriptions. The technique consists in three main steps. First, the object of study is reconstructed as a high resolution 3D model by photogrammetry; secondary, data are stored as a raster Digital Elevation Model, taking as Cartesian plane the inscribed surface; finally, they are interpolated and filtered as if they were a terrain model, even applying typical hydrological analysis algorithms, in order to obtain the best visualization. The process can be undertaken even with a low-end camera and it makes use entirely of open source and free software, hence it’s a rather inexpensive method of analysis. Furthermore, it requires only a medium-level computing power, so that by increasing the processing time, it is an operation that can be undertaken on computers that are fairly old and/or not particularly gifted. The technique has been tested on eroded and damaged stone. In all case studies it lead to better results than with traditional paper casts, but the greatest difference between the two techniques, in this sense, is perceived when the digital method is applied on coarse supports.

Author(s): Ravotto, Alessandro (ICAC)