Processing huge scanned datasets: issues and solutions

The construction of detailed and accurate 3D models is made easier by the increasing diffusion of 3D scanning devices. These allow to build accurate digital models of real 3D objects in a cost- and time-effective manner. The presents briefly the capabilities of this technology and focuses mainly on some issues which make the management of huge scanning set still very hard. We will discuss: the considerable user intervention required in the post-processing of scanned data; the usually incomplete sampling of the artifact surface and how do we can try to complete it; the huge complexity of the 3D model produced from a very rich scanned set. Another emerging issue is how to support the visual presentation of the models (local or remote) with guaranteed interactive rendering rates. Some examples of the results of current projects, mainly in the Cultural Heritage field, will be shown.