RTI and virtualRTI: tools and methodologies for documenting prehistoric engraved artifacts

Francesco Colace, Angelo Lorusso, Michele Pellegrino, Domenico Santaniello

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to developing a multidisciplinary methodological framework and a functional workflow tailored to the specific requirements of archaeological documentation and the investigation of prehistoric art. Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) was tested on engraved pebbles recovered during the archaeological excavations at Grotta di Santa Maria di Agnano (Ostuni, BR – Italy). The results indicate that the interactive processing of false-3D imagery significantly enhances the recording of fine details, thereby enabling the preliminary stages of a palaeographic analysis concerning the execution and stratigraphy of sign palimpsests. The RTI-Highlights method emerges as a competitive and high-performing analytical approach, which can be implemented using low-cost equipment and a relatively straightforward operational workflow. Moreover, the continued development and widespread availability of open-source tools facilitate large-scale documentation of archaeological artefacts, promote future research, and ensure the long-term digital preservation of cultural records.

Download

IMEKO-Metroarchaeo-2025-089.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc26-2025.089

IMEKO TC

TC26 - Metrology for Cultural Heritage

Back to the proceedings