Laser scanning e 3D Modeling per la conoscenza e la valorizzazione delle chiese rupestri

Rock churches are underground architecture entirely carved from rock, often located far from urban centers and neglected by the history of architecture. However, this heritage is “unique” because so are their spaces, not characterized by the regularity or proportions typical of epigeous architecture. Morphological analysis and geometric survey of these underground spaces are difficult activities when carried out by traditional methods, because they are not reducible to flat and regular surfaces. The need to operate significant volume simplifications in order to carry out precise and rigorous metric activities makes, instead, the laser scanning survey the optimal solution. This work aims to illustrate the specificity of a research focusing on the Grotta dei Santi in Enna, in order to extend and deepen its knowledge, now limited to conventional analyzes. It also intends to investigate issues related to the valorization and promotion of this heritage, highlighting the possibilities offered by new photo realistic graphic technology.