Unveiling medieval landscapes: A virtual reconstruction through LiDAR and extended matrix methodology, the case of Torre di Castiglione (BA)

This contribution aims to provide an overview of a virtual reconstruction case study, focusing on the late antique walls of Aquileia M2, applying the Extended Matrix methodology and its associated workflow. Specifically, we will consider virtual reconstructions in archaeological practice and address their scientific challenges. The report will address the issue of their scientific mapping, briefly touching on existing methods before delving into the details of the Extended Matrix, the chosen methodology for the project. The theoretical foundations and open-source computer tools enabling its comprehensive application will be described. Finally, the focus will be on an illustrative case study of the complete workflow: reconstructing a portion of Aquileia's defensive wall, M2. Following essential historical-archaeological contextualization, the research results leading to the reconstruction hypothesis will be presented, along with some steps to achieve the final model, its visualization through a web app, and potential future development scenarios.

The contemporary media landscape is characterized by the emergence of hybrid forms of digital communication that contribute to the ongoing redefinition of our societies cultural context. An incontrovertible consequence of this phenomenon is the new public dimension that characterizes the transmission of historical knowledge in the twenty-first century. Awareness of this new epistemic scenario has led us to reflect on the following methodological questions: what strategies should be created to establish a communication system, based on new technology, that is scientifically rigorous, but at the same time engaging for the visitors of museums and Internet users? How does a comparative analysis of ancient documentary sources form a solid base of information for the virtual reconstruction of thirteenth century Bologna in the Metaverse? What benefits can the phenomenon of cross-mediality give to the virtual heritage? The implementation of a new version of the Nu.M.E. project allowed for answering many of these instances. The investigation carried out between 2008 and 2010 has shown that, indeed, real-time 3D graphics and collaborative virtual environments can be feasible tools for representing philologically the urban medieval landscape and for communicating properly validated historical data to the general public. This research is focused on the study and implementation of a pipeline that permits mass communication of historical information about an area of vital importance in late medieval Bologna: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. The originality of the developed project is not limited solely to the methodological dimension of historical research. Adopted technological perspective is an excellent example of innovation that digital technologies can bring to the cultural heritage. The main result of this research is the creation of Nu.ME 2010, a cross-media system of 3D real-time visualization based on some of the most advanced free software and open source technologies available today free of charge.