Digital Three-Dimensional Modelling of Donatello's David by Frequency-Modulated Laser Radar

Abstract

In this paper a laser scanner based on the operation principle of continuous-wave frequency-modulated (CWFM) radar is applied to the acquisition of a digital three-dimensional model of the well-known David by Donatello. The steps of the acquisition procedure and the related technical solutions are reported. The scientific focus was on the processing pipeline simplification due to the new acquisition methodology. Detailed results are presented, demonstrating how the use of this type of sensor allows digitization of works of art made of materials that cannot be sampled, and improvement in the overall level of modelling accuracy.