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 historically and artistically significant objects. The topics covered will include the basics of multiband imaging techniques, both from a technical and phenomenological standpoint. The use of visible, UV, infrared bands, and radiography will be explained to obtain information regarding conservation, material composition, and the execution technique of artifacts through the interpretation of the obtained images. Aspects of post-processing for proper color management and for the processing and interpretation of images in false colors and pseudocolors will also be addressed. Additionally, the potentials of multi- and hyperspectral imaging techniques will be illustrated. Besides traditional techniques, some computational techniques such as reflectance transformation imaging and 3D photogrammetry will be presented.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will develop basic knowledge related to the principles of proper multi-band photographic acquisition: understanding and distinguishing the methods for reading, analyzing, and interpreting data from images of the multi-band techniques covered in the course. The student will be able to correctly apply the basic post-production methods while understanding their limits and potentials. They will also understand the potentials and limitations of using image data as a method of analysis, not only material and morphological but also of the technique used to create the object of historical-artistic interest. Finally, they will be able to evaluate, during the stage of a potential diagnostic project, which standard or advanced imaging techniques will be the most suitable for the specific characteristics of the object in question.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
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/Labs visits depending on availability.
Teaching Resources
-Course Slide
-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)