Integration of laser level survey, photogrammetry and GPR to examine the deterioration of Roman mosaics: A case study of Venus house, Volubilis, Morocco

A study of the Venus House mosaics at Volubilis reveals that the deterioration of these Roman mosaics is directly linked to the settling and heaving of concrete slabs beneath them. Using advanced techniques—laser level surveys, UAV-based photogrammetry, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR)—researchers identified void spaces under the floors, slab instability, and potential rebar corrosion, all contributing to visible surface damage. These findings underscore the need for restoration efforts that address not just the mosaic tesserae but the entire structural layer, ensuring long-term preservation of this significant archaeological site.

Lachhab, A., Benyassine, E. M., & Atki, M. (2022). Integration of laser level survey, photogrammetry and GPR to examine the deterioration of Roman mosaics: A case study of Venus house, Volubilis, Morocco. Archaeological Prospection, 30(2), 221–232. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/arp.1887