POINT CLOUD SEGMENTATION IN HERITAGE PRESERVATION. ADVANCED DIGITAL PROCESS FOR HISTORICAL HOUSES

Abstract. This paper discusses the use of point cloud segmentation, both automatic and semi-automatic, in heritage conservation processes, with the aim of consciously integrating traditional and innovative methods. Thus, the research explores the potential of open-source software tools for semi-automatic point-cloud segmentation in enriching heritage knowledge and contributing to the inspection of its state of conservation. This ensures a 3D geometric view of reality and enables the identification of criticalities that may not be visible to the naked eye through colorimetric attributes. The study was conducted on Villa Leonardi, a historical house located in the city of Treia in the Marche Region (Italy) as a pilot test. The investigation focused on the east and south elevations of the building, which were suitable for two distinct trials: a semi-automatic procedure for analyzing the quality of mortar joints in an exposed masonry, and a semi-automatic procedure for mapping alterations and decay in a plastered masonry. To validate the results, manual and semi-automatic maps were compared using both qualitative and quantitative assessments. Qualitative assessment involved overlay and visual analysis, while quantitative assessment involved transforming the segmented point cloud into a mesh and calculating the resulting surface area. The critical interpretation of the two trials revealed both advantages and disadvantages; overall, experimentation highlighted the added value that advanced digital process can bring to the issue of heritage preservation.