3D-stone: a comprehensive workflow for structured light scanning and digital twin modeling of stone architectural elements in archaeology

Sara Bozza

«Archeologia e Calcolatori» 2025, 36.1, 277-304; doi: 10.19282/ac.36.1.2025.14

Abstract

The paper outlines the state of the art in structured light scanning (SLS) in archaeology and highlights the potential of 3D imaging technologies for documenting architectural elements. It introduces the 3D-STONE workflow, a comprehensive methodology for the structured light scanning and 3D modeling of stone architectural elements, developed and tested as part of the CHANGES project (CNR-ISPC). Experimentation was conducted using the Artec Eva scanner on marble blocks from the Basilica Iulia in the Roman Forum (Rome) and the Monumental Nymphaeum of Tripolis ad Maeandrum (Denizli, Türkiye), addressing both archaeological and technical-practical challenges. The workflow covers all stages, from fieldwork to the creation of high-resolution digital replicas, offering an efficient, reliable process specifically tailored to architectural blocks. Results demonstrate that SLS technology provides unparalleled accuracy in capturing geometry and texture, while significantly reducing field and processing times. This establishes it as a highly valuable tool compared to photogrammetry-based approaches to produce digital replicas of blocks, suitable for virtual reconstructions, morphological analyses, conservation mapping, and for enhancing public engagement with monuments