Imaging Different Types of Materials in Cultural Heritage with RTI Technique

Creative Commons License

Çetinkaya E., Yilmaz A., Emre G., Öğrüç Ildiz G., Şener E. V.

in: Current Approaches, Solutions and Practices in Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Gulder EMRE,Ayberk YILMAZ,Paola POGLIANI,Gulce OGRUC ILDIZ,Rui FAUSTO, Editor, Istanbul University Press, İstanbul, pp.225-242, 2024

  • Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Vocational Book
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Publisher: Istanbul University Press
  • City: İstanbul
  • Page Numbers: pp.225-242
  • Editors: Gulder EMRE,Ayberk YILMAZ,Paola POGLIANI,Gulce OGRUC ILDIZ,Rui FAUSTO, Editor
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Istanbul Kültür University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Reflectance transformation imaging (RTI) technology is a method used in the visual examination and

documentation of cultural heritage. The method has a fixed camera setup. The artifact, which is placed opposite the

camera, is illuminated from different angles using fixed equipment or labor. One photograph is taken for each angle

of illumination. The photographs are processed with the help of software, and the color and shape information is

saved in a file. Thanks to the advanced functions in the computerized imaging software, surface features and color

information can be changed to bring to the fore details that would not be noticeable under normal conditions. The

method can be used to document various works and contribute to the investigation of construction techniques and

deterioration before restoration and conservation works. Fixed hardware was produced for use in this study. The

body of the hardware is geodesic-dome-shaped. The LED lighting on the dome worked synchronously with the

shooting device by communicating wirelessly. Using this equipment, ceramics, oil on wood, metal, and paper

materials were imaged using the RTI method. Imaging different types of materials allowed us to compare the success

of the method on different surfaces. At the same time, the method is expected to highlight the traces caused by

production on the surface and the physical damages that occur afterward. The fact that various works had suffered

some damage was considered to examine their construction techniques and distortions and that the color-shape

properties were variable in object selection. The possible contribution of this method to conservation and restoration

studies can also be evaluated.

Keywords: Reflectance transformation imaging, geodesic dome, conservation, cultural heritage