Integrated technologies for indirect documentation, conservation and engagement of the roman mosaics of piazza armerina (Enna, italy)

Abstract

3D digital imaging for the study of archaeology and the global dissemination of knowledge is of growing relevance and has proven to be extremely beneficial in particular on cases study characterized by a poor digital accessibility. With seven Unesco World Heritage sites, Sicily has an extraordinary heritage perfectly representing the cultural achievements of many Mediterranean civilizations, but yet the digital presence of such heritage is rather limited. The aim of this paper is to present the some methodological insights to tackle issues of 3D digitization of mosaic floor via digital photogrammetry on the basis of direct experience with the case study of the Roman Villa del Casale at Piazza Armerina (Enna, Sicily, Italy). The virtualization of over 2500 m2 of mosaic floord was carried out in the frame of an international collaborative project undertaken by University of South Florida’s Institute for Digital Exploration – IDEx (former CVAST), in partnership partnership with the Regional Department for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity and specifically with the Regional Hub of Piazza Armerina, Aidone and Enna and the University of Catania’s Departments of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAR), Mathematics and Computer Sciences (DMI), and Humanistic Studies (DISUM).