Multiple uses of 3D scanning for the valorization of an artistic site: the case of Luni

The heritage site of Luni is a very interesting location, which tells the story of an ancient roman colony, and of an area where different cultures left their heritage. In particular, the remains of the pediments of an ancient temple represent a very interesting case and an open field of study for art historians. The scanning of a group of statue belonging to the pediments showed that the produced 3D models could be used in several ways, not only for archival and presentation purposes but also to provide interactive support for the work of the restorers and the scholars. In particular, the use of 3D models to propose and validate hypothesis about the original position of the fragments in the context of the fronton could be an alternative solution to the direct manipulation of them. Moreover, the analysis of the original color of the statues, and the representation different hypothesis about the ancient appearance can be produced through the interactive editing of the 3D models of the statues. In this paper we present the scanning campaign which resulted in the acquisition of five statues,the preliminary results of some of the uses of the models produced with acquired data, and a brief description of other possible future applications of them. This shows how 3D scanning can be considered by now a mature technology for the support of restoration and preservation of Cultural Heritage.