STRATEGIE DI DISSEMINAZIONE DEL PATRIMONIO ARCHEOLOGICO: DIGITALIZZAZIONE E VIDEO MAPPING DEL SITO DI NISA VECCHIA

The digitisation of the Parthian site of Old Nisa and the resulting video mapping communication project effectively address many of the challenges outlined by international guidelines from ICOMOS, UNESCO, and ICOM for the protection, conservation, enhancement, and communication of cultural heritage. In May 2024, a series of 3D survey activities was carried out to achieve a complete mapping of the city and its walls, using integrated laser scanning techniques that combined the well-established Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) method with Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS) supported by portable scanners employing SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) technology. The narrative project is based on a video projection onto a 3D-printed replica of the city derived from the 3D laser-based model, divided into tiles reminiscent of a cartographic grid. This model is mounted on a wooden support designed to accurately represent the elevation differences of the hill on which the citadel stands.
The video mapping projection offers the public an overview of the region of Parthian influence in present-day Turkmenistan and its relations with other civilisations. It also presents the history of the settlement foundation, describes its most significant architectural complexes, and summarises their excavations, including recent restoration and enhancement efforts, as well as the digitisation of the site through laser scanning technology. The information is based on archaeological research that has been developed and gradually deepened over the course of a century.