The technology integrated with Artificial Intelligence functionality allows the acquisition of real spaces in an increasingly expeditious manner, giving the possibility of digitally configuring complex environments and experimenting with new digital surveying methodologies that differ from the established image/range-based techniques. In recent years, substantial advancements in the fields of computer graphics and computer vision have led to the emergence of innovative approaches, such as Gaussian Splatting, which have revolutionized 3D scene reconstruction and rendering processes. These methods offer remarkable improvements in both realism and computational efficiency. Moreover, in the digital age, the demand for accessible and user-friendly applications is constantly growing, and research is increasingly focused on solutions that offer essential functionality at cost-effective prices. These objectives are mainly pursued by exploiting open-source frameworks, cloud services, and simple methodologies to keep development costs low. The paper aims to validate the results of two Gaussian Splatting processes generated by accessible and user-friendly applications, as well as using simple data as a starting point, such as videos recorded with 360-degree cameras. In this way, the work seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of these innovative techniques in producing high-quality 3D reconstructions, considering the simplicity of the process for users and the associated costs.
AR to Rediscover Heritage: the Case Study of Salerno Defense System
Recognizing and transmitting the uniqueness and identity of one’s territory represents fundamental step to guarantee its sustainability, protection and valorisation. Of particular importance, moreover, is the issues of the lesser-known heritage of great value but which, unfortunately, in some cases is still little known and often in a state of neglect. However, the diffusion of new technology and the great development of digitization positively contribute to the accessibility and visibility of these patrimonies, increasing the knowledge and the dissemination. This contribution focuses on one of the towers of the coastal defence system, a perfect example of a lesser-known architecture of great interest to be valued. Through a multidisciplinary approach, which inextricably links history and new ICT applica-tions, it will be possible to improve the knowledge of the heritage, enriching with complementary information that goes beyond the simple geometric definition of the building: an important tool for protection and preservation mainly for informative purposes.