The real in the virtual. The 3D model in the cultural heritage sector: the tip of the iceberg

The twenty-year and interdisciplinary research activity carried out by Virtualgeo has focused on the development of new methods and tools for 3D modeling that go beyond the simple digital-virtual reconstruction of solid modelling, in order to realize three-dimensional informative and photogrammetric representations that faithfully reproduce reality. These so called Advanced 3D models are the basis for carrying out metrological investigations to support the design and the BIM database population. In particular, in this paper we will deal with the segmentation tool, which allows the classification of the photogrammetric 3D model (material, degradation and chronological features). In detail, we will illustrate the collaboration experience between Virtualgeo and the University of Trieste, course in Technologies for the conservation and enhancement of architectural heritage of the Master's Degree in Architecture. The experience focused on the study of the archaeological site of the Roman river port of Aquileia, which Advanced 3D model was supplied by Virtualgeo. Firstly, the work focused on the informative contents necessary for the subsequent elaborations (different types of materials, alteration/degradation forms), starting from the use of coded lexicons (UNI 11182/2006). Subsequently, the quantitative data were associated to each category of homogeneous elements, obtainable from the segmentation (“mapping”) of the 3D model. This experience gave the chance to test the EasyCUBE PRO software: it was gradually adapted to the specific needs emerged both during the analysis of the site and the definition of conservation interventions, so as the outputs that can be generated after the elaboration of the Advanced 3D model.