The paper compares two workflows for the achievement of 3D models aimed at in-depth studies on the geometric features of Cultural Heritage artefacts and their dissemination. The purpose is the outlining of pros and cons of different techniques coming from entertainment and video games industry, starting from highly reliable 3D documentation of cultural assets, i.e. architectural/archaeological/urban sites. Two different possible applications are described: (i) procedural modelling used for understanding and visualising reconstruction hypotheses of the vaulted pavilions at Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli, Rome; (ii) optimisation of 3D high-detailed models, as input files, turned into visual reliable and highly portable assets for game-engines. The first case study is focussed on creating a flexible model for evalueting reconstruction hypotheses and supplying restorers with useful hints for shape completion of ruined pavilions. The second case study makes available detailed digital contents for storytelling historical and cultural events in an attractive way, as in the case of the urban explorative model of Chiuro, a small town in northern Italy.

The sixteenth-century Fountain of Neptune is one of Bologna’s most renowned landmarks. During the recent restoration activities of the monumental sculpture group, consisting in precious marbles and highly refined bronzes with water jets, a photographic campaign has been carried out exclusively for documentation purposes of the current state of preservation of the complex. Nevertheless, the highquality imagery was used for a different use, namely to create a 3D digital model accurate in shape and color by means of automated photogrammetric techniques and a robust customized pipeline. This 3D model was used as basic tool to support many and different activities of the restoration site. The paper describes the 3D model construction technique used and the most important applications in which it was used as support tool for restoration: (i) reliable documentation of the actual state; (ii) surface cleaning analysis; (iii) new water system and jets; (iv) new lighting design simulation; (v) support for preliminary analysis and projectual studies related to hardly accessible areas; (vi) structural analysis; (vii) base for filling gaps or missing elements through 3D printing; (viii) high-quality visualization and rendering and (ix) support for data modelling and semantic-based diagrams.

Cultural Heritage management is a topical issue facing administrators, professionals and scholars involved in documentation, restoration and enhancement of the cultural assets. In the paper, after a general framework on the state of the art in the sector, two recent experiences are reported about Information System and integrated service platform for managing Cultural Heritage that authors contributed to develop with the aim of providing experts of the field with effective and flexible tools: the Information System for the restoration of the Neptune’s Fountain and the SACHER 3D Life Cycle Management for Cultural Heritage service. The paper describes in detail the two case studies and some possible implementation designed but not yet achieved for the latter, and finally presents some starting points for future research.

In-depth studies on the design of the domes of the Octagonal Hall of the Small Baths and the Vestibule of the Golden Court at Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli have been conducted starting from 3D surveys carried out with active and passive sensors. Through the comparison of the ichnographia and orthographia of these emblematic examples of architectural experimentation, common elements and features have emerged which, thanks to the integrated use of new measurement technologies, have allowed us to hypothesise dimensioning systems of the vertical structures together with possible criteria for defining the intrados–extrados relationship. Hadrian’s architects’ use of precise grid-based designs to facilitate the achievement of target quantities (required areas and volumes) as well as modules aimed at defining alignments of horizontal and vertical structures emerge clearly, providing useful elements for an integrated reading of the individual buildings to support the archaeological investigation.