Unveiling medieval landscapes: A virtual reconstruction through LiDAR and extended matrix methodology, the case of Torre di Castiglione (BA)

This study presents a methodological advancement in the digital reconstruction of archaeological landscapes through the integration of UAV-based LiDAR data and the Extended Matrix (EM) methodology. The research focuses on the medieval site of Torre di Castiglione (Conversano, Apulia), where extensive vegetation and complex topography have long hindered archaeological analysis. By combining high-resolution LiDAR data, magnetometric surveys, and archival documentation within a standardized EM workflow, the study establishes a transparent and scientifically traceable process for 3D virtual reconstruction. The multi-step EM approach—encompassing data collection, analysis, implementation, representation, and dissemination—was executed using open-source tools such as Blender, BlenderGIS, and EMtools, ensuring interoperability and reproducibility. The resulting virtual model visualizes both verified archaeological evidence and interpretative hypotheses, each coded according to confidence levels. Beyond revealing new insights into the site’s spatial organization and architecture, including the reinterpretation of a key “palazzetto” complex, the research demonstrates the broader applicability of EM to non-destructive archaeological investigations. This integration enhances both the scientific rigor and transparency of virtual reconstructions, offering a replicable framework for future studies of similar heritage contexts.