Mapping monuments' stone weathering using low-cost multispectral technologies and image processing

Mapping and analyzing stone monuments’ surface condition and time-induced deterioration are necessary for the decision making on conservation measures. Since the assessment of architectural facades and elements is often conducted manually, there is significant value in investigating automatic weathering mapping procedures. This short paper aims to discuss how the combination of multispectral imaging, computational visualistics, and geomatics techniques can cost-effectively assist in evaluating the state of preservation of monumental heritage through the use of low-cost sensors. The conducted experiments employ a medium-format camera modified for spectral imaging, mobile sensors, free and low-cost software. The Presented results concern three important archaeological sites in ancient Elis and Arcadia (Greece).