Multiband Imaging Techniques for Cultural Heritage
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course is dedicated to learning the principles and techniques of diagnostic imaging applied to the study of objects of historical and artistic interest. The topics covered will include the basics of multiband imaging techniques, both from a technical and phenomenological perspective. The use of visible, UV, infrared, and radiographic bands will be illustrated to obtain information on conservation, materials, and the execution techniques of artifacts through the interpretation of the obtained images. Post-processing aspects will be addressed for correct color management and for the processing and interpretation of images in false colors and pseudocolors. The potential of multi- and hyperspectral imaging techniques will also be illustrated. In addition to traditional techniques, some computational techniques such as reflectance transformation imaging and 3D photogrammetry will be presented. A lesson will be dedicated to a practical workshop on the post-processing of multiband and RTI images. For each technique covered, numerous case studies of particular interest will be presented and discussed.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will develop basic knowledge of the principles of proper multiband photographic acquisition: understanding and distinguishing the methods for reading, analyzing, and interpreting image data of the multiband techniques covered in the course. The student will be able to correctly apply basic post-processing methods, understanding their limitations and potential. They will also understand the potential and limitations of using image data as a method of analysis not only for materials and morphology but also for the execution techniques of the historical-artistic object. Finally, the student will be able to evaluate, during the diagnostic project phase, which standard or advanced imaging techniques are most suitable for the specific characteristics of the object under examination.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
-Photographic techniques and technical photography: history, physical principles, and methods. Lenses, detectors, and acquisition systems.
-Experimental set-ups for proper image acquisition in reflected light. Types of detectors, light sources, and illumination methods (diffuse, raking, transmitted).
-Image post-production: RAW, TIFF, PNG, and JPG formats. Use of color targets for color management, limitations, and potential. Color spaces for images.
-Computational techniques: HDR, focus stacking, reflectance transformation imaging (RTI), 3D photogrammetry.
-Infrared imaging: characteristics and use of NIR, SWIR, and LWIR bands to exploit optical and thermal phenomena in light-matter interactions; set-up and post-processing.
-Fluorescence imaging from ultraviolet to infrared: set-up and image post-processing.
-False and pseudo-color imaging: processing methods and analytical interpretation.
-Multiband, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging: definitions, differences, and applications.
-"Gigapixel images": processing and visualization methods for ultra-high spatial resolution multiband images.
-Radiographic imaging: set-up, types of detectors, and comparison with optical and thermal imaging techniques.
-Point-based vs. mapping spectroscopies: comparison, potential, and computational aspects for data processing.
-Imaging for conservation.
For each technique covered, various up-to-date case studies will be presented to highlight specific potential and limitations.
-Experimental set-ups for proper image acquisition in reflected light. Types of detectors, light sources, and illumination methods (diffuse, raking, transmitted).
-Image post-production: RAW, TIFF, PNG, and JPG formats. Use of color targets for color management, limitations, and potential. Color spaces for images.
-Computational techniques: HDR, focus stacking, reflectance transformation imaging (RTI), 3D photogrammetry.
-Infrared imaging: characteristics and use of NIR, SWIR, and LWIR bands to exploit optical and thermal phenomena in light-matter interactions; set-up and post-processing.
-Fluorescence imaging from ultraviolet to infrared: set-up and image post-processing.
-False and pseudo-color imaging: processing methods and analytical interpretation.
-Multiband, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging: definitions, differences, and applications.
-"Gigapixel images": processing and visualization methods for ultra-high spatial resolution multiband images.
-Radiographic imaging: set-up, types of detectors, and comparison with optical and thermal imaging techniques.
-Point-based vs. mapping spectroscopies: comparison, potential, and computational aspects for data processing.
-Imaging for conservation.
For each technique covered, various up-to-date case studies will be presented to highlight specific potential and limitations.
Prerequisites for admission
The necessary prerequisites are those of basic physics and chemistry, mainly on light-matter interaction
Teaching methods
Lectures, image post-processing/editing workshops, seminars, and museum visits depending on availability.
Teaching Resources
-Course slides
-Rudolf Kingslake - Optics in Photography
-D. A. Rowlands - Physics of Digital Photography (scaricabile)
-Charles S. Johnson Jr. - Science for the Curious Photographer: An Introduction to the Science of Photography
-J. Dyer, G. Verri, J. Cupitt - Multispectral Imaging in Reflectance and Photo-induced Luminescence Modes: A User Manual, British Museum, 2013
-Gianluca Poldi, Giovanni C.F. Villa - Dalla conservazione alla storia dell'arte. Riflettografia e analisi non invasive per lo studio dei dipinti
-W. Stanley Taft Jr., James W. Mayer - The Science of Paintings
-Paul Craddock - Scientific Investigation of Copies, Fakes and Forgeries
-J. Tum, A. Middleton - Radiography of Cultural Material, Routledge, 2006
-K. Nassau, The physics and chemistry of color: The fifteen causes of color (2nd ed.). Wiley-Interscience,2001
-M. Boscarol - Prima lezione sul colore, Tarka, 2019
-Rudolf Kingslake - Optics in Photography
-D. A. Rowlands - Physics of Digital Photography (scaricabile)
-Charles S. Johnson Jr. - Science for the Curious Photographer: An Introduction to the Science of Photography
-J. Dyer, G. Verri, J. Cupitt - Multispectral Imaging in Reflectance and Photo-induced Luminescence Modes: A User Manual, British Museum, 2013
-Gianluca Poldi, Giovanni C.F. Villa - Dalla conservazione alla storia dell'arte. Riflettografia e analisi non invasive per lo studio dei dipinti
-W. Stanley Taft Jr., James W. Mayer - The Science of Paintings
-Paul Craddock - Scientific Investigation of Copies, Fakes and Forgeries
-J. Tum, A. Middleton - Radiography of Cultural Material, Routledge, 2006
-K. Nassau, The physics and chemistry of color: The fifteen causes of color (2nd ed.). Wiley-Interscience,2001
-M. Boscarol - Prima lezione sul colore, Tarka, 2019
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be assessed through in-progress tests, upon passing which the student will undergo an oral examination, during which they may present a case study involving analytical techniques covered during the course.
The in-progress tests may be replaced by a single comprehensive test covering all the topics discussed in class; the subsequent part remains identical to the previous case.
The evaluation will be based on the student's understanding of imaging analytical techniques, their combination with other diagnostic methods, and, above all, their limitations and potential.
The in-progress tests may be replaced by a single comprehensive test covering all the topics discussed in class; the subsequent part remains identical to the previous case.
The evaluation will be based on the student's understanding of imaging analytical techniques, their combination with other diagnostic methods, and, above all, their limitations and potential.
Professor(s)