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

Full-waveform terrestrial laser scanning emerges as a powerful tool for creating high-resolution 3D topographic models of archaeologically significant slopes, offering critical insights into geomorphological processes and structural instability risks. This study applied the technology to the slope below the Temple of Juno in Agrigento's Valley of the Temples (Sicily), revealing potential hazards from large rock blocks that could threaten nearby archaeological structures. By analyzing the full waveform data, researchers generated a detailed 3D model capable of supporting geotechnical assessments and interpreting complex surface dynamics. The approach demonstrates the method's potential for monitoring unstable terrain in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where precision topographic data is essential for conservation planning.

Di Salvo, F., & Brutto, M. L. (2014). Full-Waveform Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Extracting a High-Resolution 3D Topographic Model: a Case Study on an Area of Archaeological Significance. European Journal of Remote Sensing, 47(1), 307–327. https://doi.org/10.5721/eujrs20144719