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ABCPhD CALL4SCHOLARSHIP 33Research topic: Image-based techniques for the 3D survey of complex environments in archaeology and cultural heritage. Development of low-cost sensors for the time-effective survey of indoor environments(33 - Attachment 1.5)

ABCPhD DOCTORAL PROGRAMIN ARCHITECTURE BUILT ENVIRONMENTAND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING

POLITECNICO MILANO 1863 - Doctoral Program in Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering

ABC PhD Programme – CALL 4 SCHOLARSHIPS 33Image-based techniques for the 3D survey of complex environments in archaeology and cultural heritage. Development of low-cost sensors for the time-effective survey of indoor environments

• Number of scholarships: 1 (one)• Monthly net income: €. 1.012,00 (max 36 months)

[In case of a change of the welfare rates during the three-year period, the amount could be slightly modified]

• Additional support: Funding for educational activities(*) : € 1.370 per student [for the 2nd and 3rd year]

• Starting of PhD activity: 1/11/2017• Deadline for application to the call: 11/09/2017• Research Director: Francesco Fassi• Research Group: Corinna Rossi, Francesco Fassi, Cristiana Achille• Funding and cooperating Institutions: the scholarship is funded by Politecnico di

Milano, Department ABC.

Funding and management of the thematic scholarships

(*) (purchase of study books and material, funding for participation in courses, summer schools, workshops, conferences)



The increased computation power and the rise of 3D model-based software have now accustomed professionals to the possibility of investigating architectonical artefact as an unicum, instead as a collection of many specific technical elaborations. Technologies evolved to answer the need to obtain complete data in terms of geometry and texture, “dense” and high-precision 3D information are the standard and point clouds are base of any specific technical elaboration.Several commercial products are available on the market for classical architectural application, mainly focusing on “large areas” (i.e. church naves, cloisters or halls), while efficient tools for the survey of narrow and meandering spaces (tunnels, staircases or passages) are just starting to be released: until now, operator may choose SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) solutions (lower accuracy for portability, convenience and speed) or other methodologies, with an exponential growth of the time needed and the implementation problems (instruments working out of their normal range of use). The Research Activity aims to find a solution to this problem and the specific needs of Archaeology, that often requires narrow spaces survey and more and more uses 3D techniques in which the Polimi’sproject LIFE is leader. The research activity shall be carried in the field of close-range image-based re-elaboration and error propagation techniques, the calculus optimization and the use of specialised lenses and low-cost sensors, to meet high accuracy and speed needs.

Context of the research activity



The objective of this PhD position is to move the firsts steps forward to transform what now is a potential new implementation of close-range photogrammetry into a competitive alternative for the survey of meandering spaces. The identification of the best practice and the implementation of an innovative and efficient system to obtain this result will answer the growing requests coming from the field of archaeology. In particular, the project LIFE of the Politecnico di Milano will offer the chance to experiment and test the preliminary results on a complex set of archaeological remains that await to be properly investigated. The PhD Candidate will investigate one by one the problems involved in turning this step into reality, with the final aim to prototype a new instrument based on stereo-vision:• comparison between different low-cost industrial sensors: in relation to the ideal image quality;• lightweight portable solution for continuous, homogeneous illumination of dark areas;• ultra-wide angle lenses such as fisheye lenses for a manageable data production;• multiple stereo-vision configuration and ideal capturing geometry;• photogrammetry of poorly textured object, as it is generally the case of long and homogeneously

shaped tunnels;• pre-calibration of high-distortion lenses to avoid the use of GCPs.

Motivation and objectives of the research



Educational objectivesAt the end of the Doctoral Programme, the Candidate will develop a deep knowledge of both the theoretical fundamentals of 3D digital reconstruction methodologies along with an advanced practical experience in survey planning.

The PhD Candidate will develop an attitude of curiosity towards problem analysis and management together with skills in the field of research.

It is expected that along the three years the candidate will put together an early publication record in recognized international journals and conferences.



Methods and techniques that will be used to carry out the researchThe research work will start with a literature review of the state of the art regarding time effective survey techniques as well as carrying out some preliminary tests in order to identify the main issues and shortcomings of the existing methodology.During the second year, the Candidate will focus on addressing the aforementioned limitations and developing new strategies and practices to advance the frontier of knowledge.The third year will be dedicated to the creation and development of a prototype of a stereo-vision based instrument able to match the accuracy of the architectural investigation and, at the same time, to solve the main problems that arise when coping with narrow environments.



Skills that the Candidate will develop during the PhD program: • The Candidate will learn to define objectives and to pursue them thanks to a scientific method, and

will learn the correct approach to objectively evaluate results and to objectively choose the most effective strategy.

• Regarding the job practice the PhD Candidate will learn to be completely in charge of the innovative technical skills necessary to carry out the survey of complex meandering spaces, from the planning phase to the implementation, elaboration and final presentation of the results.

Skills of the candidate

Job opportunitiesThis PhD program offers to the Candidate the opportunity of gaining a broad knowledge in the field ofcultural heritage and archaeological investigation activities. That knowledge could be spent either in theacademia by offering a solid basis for further research, or in the professional market by providing theCandidate with the skills necessary to both implement the instrumental survey and to direct the entireoperation. The results of this research will also be applicable to fields other than archaeology and culturalheritage, for instance to the survey of underground networks and facilities, such as pipelines, sewagesand conduits.