Full-Waveform Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Extracting a High-Resolution 3D Topographic Model: a Case Study on an Area of Archaeological Significance

Abstract

This paper describes a method, which uses full-waveform terrestrial laser scanning to survey the surface of the slope below the Temple of Juno, located in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (Sicily, Southern Italy). The surface is characterized by the presence of large rock blocks, which have fallen down from the upper side; possible further detachments of rock blocks would cause a situation of general instability, with a very high risk to the archaeological structures in the near future. The methodology was designed to evaluate the potential of full-waveform laser scanning technology for the production of a very high resolution 3D topographic model of the slope, to be used as a support for the interpretation of geomorphological processes and for geotechnical analysis.