Computers and 3D Image Synthesis as Tools for Archaeology

Computing power at low cost, highly accurate 2D, 3D data acquisition systems, advanced methods of 2D, 3D signal processing, images synthesis, artificial intelligence and huge data base management utilities are the basic tools that can be used for development of dedicated systems that can help the work of art historians and archaeologists. In this paper we describe the application of some of these techniques in the domain of archaeology through two different applications: the reconstruction of complete archaeological sites and the reconstruction of broken objects from their fragments. Both applications are illustrated with concrete examples: the reconstruction of a necropolis in Itanos (Crete) and a Gallo-Roman sanctuary in Blicquy (Belgium) and the partial reconstruction of a fragmented stone sculpture from the church of Saints Michel-et-Gudule in Brussels (Belgium)