Scansioni dinamiche con il LiDAR di Apple: esperienze di rilievo archeologico (2021-2023)

Andrea Fiorini

«Archeologia e Calcolatori» 2025, Supplemento 13, 249-266; doi: 10.19282/acs.13.2025.18

Abstract

In recent years, Apple’s mobile phones and tablets have been equipped with a LiDAR sensor capable of measuring the three-dimensional position of objects and reconstructing their surfaces. Experiments with this sensor began in 2021 and the results were published in the 2022 issue (33.1) of «Archeologia e Calcolatori» (Fiorini 2022). This paper describes the functionality and limitations of the sensor and its use in archaeology, in particular for the documentation of standing structures. This article provides a detailed account of recent activities (2022-2023), preceded by a brief overview of the characteristics of the instrument and its first use in 2021. Tests have shown that the LiDAR sensor is indeed valuable for archaeological work, given its relatively low cost, ease of use and rapid data acquisition compared to other scanning systems. It has proved effective for documenting walls, architectural elements and surfaces, and for quickly creating floor plans and 3D models of small spaces (with a maximum range of about 5 metres). In addition, the LiDAR sensor was effective in complex operating conditions, such as underground environments or corridors with limited manoeuvring space and poor lighting. Further surveys conducted after the initial study confirm the effectiveness of the LiDAR sensor, particularly in these challenging scenarios.

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