How geometric reverse engineering techniques can conserve our heritage; a case study in Iraq using 3D laser scanning

Abstract

Laser scanning has become a popular technique for the acquisition of digital models in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration nowadays. Many archaeological sites were lost, damaged, or faded, rather than being passed on to future generations due to many natural or human risks. It is still a challenge to accurately produce the digital and physical model of the missing regions or parts of our cultural heritage objects and restore damaged artefacts. The typical manual restoration can become a tedious and error-prone process; also can cause secondary damage to the relics. Therefore, in this paper, the automatic digital application process of 3D laser modelling of artefacts in virtual restoration is presented based on reverse engineering techniques. Two case studies were selected and processed in Iraq to meet the aim of this research and show how reverse engineering approaches can save our culture. The efficiency and safety of the preservation and restoration of cultural relics are improved and visually demonstrated. Different reverse engineering techniques applied to show the geometric potential for such approaches following laser-based 3D data application.