Tracking the Evolution of Biodeterioration and Physico-Chemical Alterations Using Microphotogrammetric Techniques in the Altamira Cave

Abstract

Caves are open ecosystems with natural microbiota, and they are generally stable if environmental conditions are stable. Some have rock art, which is generally characterized as fragile, especially when the equilibrium conditions of the hypogeum are changed. This article shows how high-resolution microphotogrammetry, supported by other geomatic techniques, allows the objective and quantifiable control of the alterations suffered by the pigment and its variation over time regarding earlier campaigns. This method, applied periodically, makes it possible to prevent and/or detect possible alterations at an early stage and improve the conditions of the conservation of the cave.

Keywords

• geomatics
• micro-photogrammetry
• 3D laser scanning
• global navigation satellite systems
• bio-deterioration
• rock art