ICUB invites you at the lecture “Spatial Data for Heritage Studies”, given by Professor Cornelis Stal from the Ghent University College

The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB) and the Bucharest Municipality Museum (MMB) are pleased to announce the 37 ArchaeoSciences Seminar.

Guest speaker of this edition is Professor Cornelis Stal from the Ghent University College (HOGENT, Department of Built Environment, Belgium) and HERITAGE (Greece). He will give a lecture entitled “Spatial Data for Heritage Studies”.

The seminar will take place on 11 March 2025 at 11:00 am (EET), at the George Severeanu Museum – Bucharest Municipality Museum (26 Henri Coandă Street, Bucharest), in the Concert room, 1st floor.

This seminar focuses on the dual role spatial data in cultural heritage studies and landscape archaeology. Heritage studies increasingly rely on advanced spatial data acquisition and processing techniques to document, analyze, and preserve historical sites. This presentation explores key methodologies, including airborne laser scanning (ALS), thermal and multispectral imaging, and 3D data hosting for digital heritage applications. ALS enables the high-resolution mapping of terrain and structures, revealing hidden features beneath vegetation or complex surfaces. The use of airborne imagery, for example using a remotely piloted aerial vehicle (RPAS) allows the creation of highly detailed orthophotos and textured 3D models. In addition, thermal and multispectral imaging provides enhanced material differentiation and temperature analysis, aiding archaeological investigations. Finally, digital heritage platforms enable the interactive sharing and visualization of 3D reconstructions, fostering engagement and accessibility. The integration of these technologies presents new opportunities for cultural heritage documentation, conservation, and research.

Dr. Cornelis Stal is a lecturer at Ghent University College (HOGENT, Department of Built Environment) and a member of HERITAGE, specializing in the integration, processing, and quality assessment of airborne and terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry for high-precision 3D modeling. His expertise lies in the automatic generation of geometric, radiometric, and semantically enriched 3D models, derived from irregular point sets and other spatial datasets. His research spans laser scanning, photogrammetry, and geo-ICT, with a strong foundation in GIS systems, geospatial programming, and data management. Proficient in Python and web development, he develops innovative solutions for spatial data processing and visualization. His recent research interests include spatial AI applications, UAV technology, and web-based data sharing, with a particular emphasis on enhancing digital workflows for heritage conservation and geospatial analysis. Hence, he currently has a primary focus on the digital 3D documentation of cultural heritage, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance heritage preservation and research. As a member of the Heritage Management Organization, he actively participates in international research projects and summer schools. He also supervises bachelor, master, and doctoral research in topics such as absolute positioning, satellite remote sensing, integrated 3D modeling, GIS applications, and mobile acquisition platforms.

The event is part of the BETS project (PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-0876).

These seminars are an original initiative of the ArchaeoSciences Platform (ASp) at ICUB that aims to provide a setting for professionals in the Archaeological Sciences field from different parts of the world to share knowledge and transmit meaningful information about the latest issues regarding the current methods and approaches used to study the past. It is also a chance for Romanian students to learn more about the various interdisciplinary aspects of archaeology.