Virtual Tour for Periodic Condition Assessment of Archaeological Sites

Condition assessment of the cultural heritage can play a relevant role in the integrated structural safety and conservation of assets and sites, particularly when heritage is located in areas exposed at different hazards. The majority of the inner/peripheral areas of Italy are located along the Apennine ridge and shine for the quality and quantity of cultural heritages, such as minor archaeological sites located in very complex natural environments. Moreover, these sites are often subjected to lower maintenance and attention with respect to the largest ones, also because out of the economic and touristic mainstream. In this context, rational and effective paradigms are needed to ensure the preservation of minor archaeological heritage from anthropic and natural hazards. This paper explores the potentialities offered by the Virtual Tour as heterogeneous data collection and sharing tool for periodic condition assessment aimed at covering conservation and maintenance as well as safety of the users. An operational framework aimed at pursuing an integrated management of the assets is presented and applied to the archaeological complex of Pietrabbondante of Samnite age, located in Molise Region (Italy). Time dependent condition assessment has been implemented by processing and comparing the old images collected by the authors from different sources, including those available on the internet with those acquired on-site by a digital 360° camera at the present time. Old images have been thus included in an immersive Virtual Tour showing as the comparisons between the old and new images represent a valid approach for the periodic condition assessment and monitoring of the artifacts. Moreover, all the collected information included in the Virtual Tour have been made queryable and refreshable to be used by the Authorities for an informed maintenance of the sites.