Fusion of 3D data from different image-based and range-based sources for efficient heritage recording

The rapid proliferation of three-dimensional (3D) data acquisition techniques based either on image-based approaches or on range-based approaches is changing the way cultural heritage is recorded. Independently of the technique selected, low-cost structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetric computer vision, stereo-plotting, surveying either with measuring tape, total station or global navigation satellite system (GNSS), up to laser scanning/LiDAR/RADAR, among others, there is a need to fuse efficiently different datasets. This research aims to test the fusion performance of the new 3DVEM - Register GEO software for the recording of a complex sculpture. The fusion of data will consider several point clouds acquired with a terrestrial laser scanner and one high-resolution point cloud generated with SfM software. The registration process is performed to merge all the data in a final homogeneous framework (reference system). The results obtained will be used to create a high-resolution 3D model of the sculpture from the consolidated data.