3D digital documentation and image enhancement integration into schematic rock art analysis and preservation: The Castrocontrigo Neolithic rock art (NW Spain)

Abstract

The Castrocontrigo rock art, located in the southwestern area of the Leon province (Spain), is one of the Neolithic rock art occurrences in northwest Iberia. The showings comprise three schematic panels within two rock shelters characterised by the presence of anthropomorphs and sun-forms. This paper deals with the digital description and documentation of the two shelters using non-invasive procedures based on portable white-light scanner, photogrammetry and digital image enhancement. The acquisition of 3D digital information in combination with the application of image enhancement tools aimed to improve visualization and analysis of motif's degradation by delamination and water runoff. Additionally, enhancement was used to reveal the presence of new motifs in poorly preserved sectors of the studied panels aiming at their conservation. The generation of photorealistic models from the outcrops aims also to better visualization of the motifs from different angles and perspectives, providing valuable qualitative and quantitative information for archaeologist, historians and the general public.