Multisensor data acquisition and 3D enhancing strategies: the case of the Assa Valley rock art

The graffiti of the Asiago Plateau (Province of Vicenza, Italy) are located on the calcareous, vertical walls of the Assa valley; for this project, we focus on the Tunkelbald main rock, measuring ca. 20x4 m. Since the discovery of this rock art site, the archaeological studies have suggested a chronology ranging from proto-historic to modern times, with neat predominance of the most recent phases. This paper presents a pilot study aimed to investigate the morphological and morphometric characteristics of a selection of engravings and to guarantee a better fruition in terms of public archaeology and touristic attractivity. 3D data acquired via laser scanner and structured-light scanner are used to create textured 3D models with micrometric resolution. Morphometric data are converted and processed with LiDAR-derived enhancing techniques such as multiple hillshading, openness, sky view factor, local relief model and many others. These treatments offer the chance to read even the weathered portions of the rock surfaces and better identify the iconographic motifs, but also help to reconstruct the tools used for engraving. Finally, the virtual reconstructions and the physical models obtained by 3D prototyping system can be used for dissemination purposes in order to offer a direct visual, textural and tactile experience of the most significant representations that lay outside the eyesight of the visitors of the archaeological site.