Abstract
3D digital surveying and modelling of cave geometry represents a relevant approach for research, management and preservation of our cultural and geological legacy. In this paper, a multi-sensor approach based on a terrestrial laser scanner, a high-resolution digital camera and a total station is presented. Two emblematic caves of Paleolithic human occupation and situated in northern Spain, “Las Caldas” and “Peña de Candamo”, have been chosen to put in practise this approach. As a result, an integral and multi-scalable 3D model is generated which may allow other scientists, pre-historians, geologists…, to work on two different levels, integrating different Paleolithic Art datasets: (1) a basic level based on the accurate and metric support provided by the laser scanner; and (2) a advanced level using the range and image-based modelling.
Highlights
Accurate surveying of cave passages, chambers and the shape of their walls has always been a priority issue before attempting to describe or understand processes takes place underground, whether they are related to the origin and formation of the caves, or to the human activities that may have occurred in them
In this work we present the integrated use of non invasive techniques to document two of the most significant Paleolithic caves in northern Spain, especially focused on prehistoric wall paintings and engravings
Classic cave surveying has been always performed through compass and tape techniques, and in very rare cases precise surveying instruments have been used in the survey of large portion of caves
Summary
Accurate surveying of cave passages, chambers and the shape of their walls has always been a priority issue before attempting to describe or understand processes takes place underground, whether they are related to the origin and formation of the caves, or to the human activities that may have occurred in them. The new computerized digital techniques provide tools that increase notably the efficiency and the accuracy of the surveys and provide the basic grounds for any further research. In this work we present the integrated use of non invasive techniques to document two of the most significant Paleolithic caves in northern Spain, especially focused on prehistoric wall paintings and engravings. It is essential to integrate the new available technologies and methodologies in order to allow its preservation and to provide scientists with an accurate, non invasive, surveying tool that efficiently enables the 3D reconstruction of this Cultural. The property will appear on the World Heritage as Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic. The property represents the apogee of Paleolithic cave art that developed across Europe, from the Urals to the Iberian Peninsula, from 35,000 to 11,000 BC
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