Characterization of lacunae density in pictorial surfaces using GIS software

Abstract

This study deals with the application of simple image-processing techniques, in a geographic information system (GIS) environment, on a detailed digital photography of a retabular painting. The aim is to register semi-automatically the lacunae density, through reclassification, and point density estimation. The digital photography image used on the exercise displays a detail of a 16th century panel painting named "Resurrection of Lazarus", from the Rotunda of Christ Convent, in Tomar, Portugal. The final result is a thematic pathology map of lacunae type.

Keywords

• Conservation
• Altarpiece painting
• Lacunae characterization
• Density estimation
• Geographic information systems
• Thematic pathology map