An accessible, agile and low-cost workflow for 3D virtual analysis and automatic vector tracing of engravings: Atlantic rock art analysis

In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) modelling with photogrammetry and enhancement methods from computer graphics communities have been used with excellent results for studies of rock art engravings. However, despite their abundance, most Atlantic rock art elements in the Iberian Peninsula have not yet been geometrically documented in 3D. The aims of this study include deepening the application of imaged-based modelling, digital 3D model post-processing, and diffusion tools in determining an accessible and straightforward workflow that is accessible for amateur and professional rock art researchers. The proposed workflow makes possible the prospection, documentation, enhancement, and diffusion of this heritage phenomenon in a massive collaborative manner. Thus, a representative sample of Atlantic rock art was documented using an affordable and time-optimized methodology for image-based modelling with free software at all stages of the process. This methodology improves the promotion of documentation of heritage through professional and social collaboration. The diffusion can be performed from two-dimensional (2D) vectorizations from the rendering of MeshLab Radiance Scaling enhancement and automatic vectorizers or from the direct publication of enhanced 3D models, which are currently possible with platforms such as Sketchfab.