## 7 Discussion
### Technical Aspects of This Methodology
This decision allowed the scanner to concentrate its acquisition capacity on internal surfaces, thereby maximising the precision of the three-dimensional model. Similarly, in the Benza rock shelter, located in an outdoor environment with vegetation and a field-of-view of approximately 180\({}^{\circ}\), the high-quality setting was also used to ensure adequate resolution across the entire documented surface. This methodological choice allows for comparisons with other devices of similar performance. For example, the Leica RTC360 can record up to 2.5 million points per second in a complete 360\({}^{\circ}\) sweep, with a maximum scanning time of five minutes when all parameters are enabled. In contrast, other systems such as the Faro Focus S150 offer comparable point densities and the option to limit the scan to specific angles (such as 45\({}^{\circ}\) or 90\({}^{\circ}\)) but have the disadvantage of significantly longer scan times per station, which can reach up to 40 min. Another relevant feature of the equipment used is the VIS (visual inertial system) technology, which combines visual and inertial data to determine the scanner's position and orientation in real time. This represents a significant advancement in point cloud registration and alignment processes, without increasing working time. The scanner also includes a dual-scan system capable of detecting object movement or displacement during the process, automatically removing such elements from the generated point cloud; however, this feature doubles the scanning time. In the case of the Benza cave, this option was deactivated as no moving elements were present inside the cavity and the operator remained outside the scanner's field-of-view at all times, controlling the device remotely via the Leica Register 360 app installed on a tablet. Finally, the scanner allowed for the acquisition of 360\({}^{\circ}\) spherical images, which adds approximately one minute to the total scanning time. This feature was enabled in both the cave and the rock shelter, as--despite the limited natural light in the cavity and the fact that the main objective was topographic documentation--the inclusion of spherical images made it possible to visually identify fractures and other relevant morphological features, thereby facilitating accurate measurements on the resulting 3D model. The combined use of laser scanning and photogrammetry, along with GNSS referenced data, made it possible to optimise the documentation of the rock shelter by integrating metric precision with photorealistic texturing. The selection of photographic parameters (ISO, aperture, exposure time, and focal length) was adjusted to maximise image quality in an environment with variable lighting conditions. This methodological integration has enabled the generation of highly detailed three-dimensional models, useful for both scientific research and museum or outreach applications. Finally, it is important to note that the use of digital technologies in archaeological documentation and recording represents a profound methodological transformation. It improves precision, accelerates processes, reduces the margin of error, and expands the possibilities for the analysis, conservation, and dissemination of archaeological heritage (Table 1). However, it does not completely replace traditional methods but rather complements them [71], providing new tools for more comprehensive and accessible documentation [31; 72; 73; 74]. In conclusion, the digitalization of the Benzu site has made it possible to overcome limitations inherent to traditional methodologies while also introducing new challenges related to sustainability, accessibility, and digital preservation. To ensure its long-term impact, it is essential to integrate these advances into institutional frameworks that recognise digital documentation as a central operational tool in heritage management policies.