Three-dimensional modeling and non-invasive diagnosis are fundamental prerequisites for planning reliable assessments of the seismic vulnerability, renovation and conservation of heritage buildings. In the case of multi-layered, huge and complex ancient constructions, various problems can be encountered in the early design phases of interventions, among which there is often a lack of an adequate building documentation. Such issues include drawings that are without a metric scale, not detailed, not updated or not reflecting the real situation. In addition, the fragility of these constructions requires an accurate census of every sign of deterioration in order to prepare an ad hoc intervention for the site. As an example, in this paper, the results of a survey regarding the Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta (Aquileia, Italy) are reported. The basilica has a rich history of about two thousand years. in which each era has marked the actual architectural layout with its own culture and art. The result is an intricate association of complementary and/or interdependent elements that make the building very complex. Given the need to obtain accurate documentation, a realistic representation and a simulation of the criticalities of the structure, which previously did not exist or were not sufficiently accurate, a multi-methodological and multi-scale diagnosis was performed. In detail, the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technique was applied to verify the presence of structures still buried under some internal surfaces, and a topographic survey, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and structure for motion (SfM) aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry were integrated for the detailed survey of the entire internal and external macro-structure. The resulting outcome provided the comprehensive information needed for preparing projects for the preservation, management and restoration of the basilica and the buildings connected to it.

This paper focuses on the potential of an integrated approach using aerial LiDAR, aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning, and archaeological survey to detect the presence and configuration of lost medieval settlements under canopy. This approach was applied to the site of Altanum (Calabria, Italy), on the hill of Sant’Eusebio, completely covered by vegetation. Altanum was a large fortified settlement characterised by a long occupation, especially during the Byzantine and Norman-Swabian periods. The activity began by carrying out a LiDAR survey of the whole hill. The acquired LiDAR data were processed and filtered in order to obtain a DFM (Digital Feature Model) useful for the identification of features of archaeological interest. Several enhancement techniques were performed on DFM to increase the visibility of archaeological features. The features thus identified were subsequently surveyed through the use of terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry integrated with laser scanning to document the visible buildings. The most significant result of the study was to create a single GIS platform with the integration of all data in order to delineate the whole settlement layout, as well as to produce 2D and 3D datasets useful for the for knowledge and protection of the identified remains.

Jordan has a complex history that has left tangible traces in numerous archaeological sites scattered throughout the country. This unique heritage of inestimable cultural value must be documented, thoroughly researched, and protected in order to prevent its destruction and loss. In this context, knowledge and documentation can be achieved through the application of non-destructive geophysical and geomatic methods. This work represents a synthesis of the results of twenty years of projects carried out at the archaeological sites of Basta, Petra, Um-Hamat (Karak), Umm ar-Rasas, Wu’Ayra, Madaba, and Shawbak. This study enables the exploration of new buried structures in the ground and the documentation of the state of preservation of the structures. It provides an up-to-date overview of Jordan’s rich archaeological heritage and supports restoration projects.