BUDDHIST STELE OF SWAT VALLEY: POINT CLOUD ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Abstract. With recent advancements on 3D sensors and cloud computing, high-speed, high-accuracy 3D measurement at micrometer level have been increase by scientists community and digital humanities researchers.

The methodology proposed in this project aims to test some of the algorithms used in remote-sensing to the Buddhist sculptures from Swat Valley (Pakistan); these algorithms use high-resolution topographic data to identify, from DEMs, specific features like valleys, ridges, peaks, pits or surface anomalies.

In the carved stone, the surface is analysed like a landscape, where carved areas are valleys bordered by slopes and crests. One of the simplest tools, the commonly used analytical hill-shading, which simulates artificial illumination on the DEM surface, is based on the same principle as the use of an oblique light source to highlight incisions in classic photography. Other families of algorithms that can be divided into three main groups (Slope and Curvature, Local Relief Model and Sky View Factor, Positive and Negative Openness and Geomorphons) are tested here.