Performances evaluation of a low cost active sensor for Cultural Heritage documentation

In the last decade, 3D active sensors, like laser scanners or structured light systems, have been used for both documentation and analysis of historical and archaeological finds. Although remarkable results have been obtained, the high cost of the 3D sensors and of the processing software required has been a limiting factor for an extensive application of these technologies to the Cultural Heritage field. Recently, however, a very low-cost 3D scanning device has been introduced to the market, with nominal performances comparable with those of far more expensive systems. The objective of this contribution is the evaluation and characterization of such type of sensor, by means of a set of comparative tests with two other widely diffused laser scanners. The tests are focused on their instrumental performances, in terms of precision and accuracy, as well as on actual results on a few small archeological finds.