Archiving 3D cultural objects with surface point-wise database information

Recent developments in 3D technologies and measurement instrumentation combined with multimedia databases offer today new possibilities for the integrated and complete description of cultural heritage objects. A first attempt is made to develop a database for archaeological ceramic and glass artifacts where in addition to the digitized 2D and 3D images, description, typological characteristics and historical information for each artifact will also include point-wise surface data. In a pilot implementation, physicochemical data mapped on the surface of the 3D digital image of the object will be included. Thus, the researcher will have the entire information regarding the specific artifact at his disposal. This information will contribute significantly to the comparative study of artifacts, provenance studies, determination of weathering, authentication and detection of forgery, inspection of past restorations etc.