Multifunctional 3D model for the Farnese Theatre in Parma

Modern surveying technologies allow to obtain a digital copy of cultural assets, which can be more or less adherent to reality. When 3D reconstruction concerns historical architecture, it is necessary to deal with a series of issues that may concern choosing of the most suitable survey methodologies, processing of acquired data, management of large amounts of data, making data always upgradable and easily editable, etc. By addressing these issues in advance and adopting an extremely interdisciplinary approach in the entire process, it is possible to identify the best methodologies to use in order to achieve a versatile 3D model. This paper describes an ongoing research aimed at the creation of a multifunctional digital model of one of the most important 17th century wooden theatres in Europe, the Farnese Theatre in Parma. The main aim is to generate a tool able to respond simultaneously to the different needs that have arisen in recent years, mostly related to the documentation, preservation, valorization and dissemination of knowledge about the monument. This article describes the project and the adopted methodology, focusing mainly on survey and modeling phases. Particular attention will also be paid to the process of reconstruction of the original decorations of the proscenium, completely lost after an Allied air raid in 1944. The illustrated methodologies define a possible workflow to be adapted in other similar contexts. Finally, possible uses of the generated model will be also briefly illustrated

MANAGEMENT PLANS AND WEB-GIS SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS AS ACTIVE AND DYNAMIC TOOLS TO CONSERVE AND VALORIZE HISTORIC PUBLIC GARDENS

Abstract. Historic gardens are artefacts that evolve in a continuous and unavoidable way, and, at the same time, they are heritage and cultural sites that need to be conserved: the recognition of this dual nature motivates us to seek for new approaches to their management issues. Whilst it is necessary to follow site mutations and valorize its features while dynamically changes the appearance of the garden and the needs of the society, at the same time it is fundamental that an appropriate strategic plan sets a target for the garden, a midmid-long term vision, in order to preserve botanic and documentary value and maintain historic and artistic significance. The paper analyzes historical sources, surveys, thematic maps and interpretations to study historic public gardens, considering complexity and vulnerability of the components an d issues involved in historic gardens and consequent multidisciplinary approach. In order to identify conservation and management criteria it underlines analysis and evaluation of the environmental, architectural, land scape and perceptive features of the historic garden and its surroundings, demonstrating the importance to study the site historic stratification and the site context in order to define preservation goals to prevent decay, to mitigate impacts, to set up maintenance programs and management plans. The aim of this essay is also to highlight the role of GIS and WebGIS applications – targeted at public administrations – that integrate the spatial component (topographic map, ortophoto, physical plans, cadastral maps) and databases about botanic inventories and conservation and valorization treatments of historic public of public gardens.</p

The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries: Issues, Terminology, Principles, Institutional Foundations, Implementation and Outlook

Ecosystems are complex and dynamic natural units that produce goods and services beyond those of benefit to fisheries. Because fisheries have a direct impact on the ecosystem, which is also impacted by other human activities, they need to be managed in an ecosystem context. The meaning of the terms 'ecosystem management', 'ecosystem based management', 'ecosystem approach to fisheries'(EAF), etc., are still not universally defined and progressively evolving. The justification of EAF is evident in the characteristics of an exploited ecosystem and the impacts resulting from fisheries and other activities. The rich set of international agreements of relevance to EAF contains a large number of principles and conceptual objectives. Both provide a fundamental guidance and a significant challenge for the implementation of EAF. The available international instruments also provide the institutional foundations for EAF. The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries is particularly important in this respect and contains provisions for practically all aspects of the approach. One major difficulty in defining EAF lies precisely in turning the available concepts and principles into operational objectives from which an EAF management plan would more easily be developed. The paper discusses these together with the types of action needed to achieve them. Experience in EAF implementation is still limited but some issues are already apparent, e.g. in added complexity, insufficient capacity, slow implementation, need for a pragmatic approach, etc. It is argued, in conclusion, that the future of EAF and fisheries depends on the way in which the two fundamental concepts of fisheries management and ecosystem management, and their respective stakeholders, will join efforts or collide

Nursery Habitat and Diet of Juvenile Centropomus Species in Puerto Rico Estuaries

The distribution of the early stages of five species of Centropomus was studied in Puerto Rico and varied among the estuarine areas sampled. Based on the collection of 4, 710 juvenile snook, the study showed that the most abundant species (standard length \u3c 50 mm) collected in river systems was C. parallelus (81%); in contrast, C. undecimalis (62%) and C. ensiferus (35%) were more abundant in lagoon systems. Colonization peaks of the three most abundant species showed broad overlapping: from June to Nov. for C. undecimalis, from July to Dec. for C. ensiferus, and from April to Nov. for C. parallelus. Preferred nursery habitats were turbid, calm waters in the vicinity of shelter (mangrove roots, grass, or water hyacinths). The physical parameter range of juvenile snook habitat was relatively broad: salinity from 0 to 30 ppt temperature from 24 to 35 C, and anoxic to well-oxygenated water. Condition factors of two size classes of snook (less than 100 mm and between 100 and 300 mm in standard length) showed no significant differences between river and lagoon systems or between seasons. Food habits were significantly different between species during the early stages (standard length \u3c 100 mm), but this difference was resolved when river and lagoon samples were studied separately. In the river system, C. undecimalis and C. ensiferus preyed primarily upon shrimp, whereas in the lagoon they fed mainly on fish

FROM "MODELS" TO "REALITY", AND RETURN.SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN SURVEYAND INTERPRETATIVE METHODS FOR BUILT HERITAGE CONSERVATION

It's well known that more and more accurate methodologies and automatic tools are now available in the field of geometric survey and image processing and they constitute a fundamental instrument for cultural heritage knowledge and preservation; on the other side, very smart and precise numerical models are continuously improved and used in order to simulate the mechanical behaviour of masonry structures: both instruments and technologies are important part of a global process of knowledge which is at the base of any conservation project of cultural heritage. Despite the high accuracy and automation level reached by both technologies and programs, the transfer of data between them is not an easy task and defining the most reliable way to translate and exchange information without data loosing is still an open issue. The goal of the present paper is to analyse the complex process of translation from the very precise (and sometimes redundant) information obtainable by the modern survey methodologies for historic buildings (as laser scanner), into the very simplified (may be too much) schemes used to understand their real structural behaviour, with the final aim to contribute to the discussion on reliable methods for cultural heritage knowledge improvement, through empiricism

The virtual restoration of the former ducal chapel of San Ludovico in Parma

This text deals with the issues related to the fruition of illusory spaces and to the dissemination of cultural heritage through the illustration of an experience conducted by professors of DICATeA of the University of Parma in the context of an exhibition dedicated to Maria Luigia of Hapsburg. In this context, a digital model of the former church of St. Ludovico in its original configuration was created to be loaded on special visors that visitors of the exhibition can wear in order to virtually immerse themselves in a reality today largely changed. The goal of this work is to show how a scientific approach, resulting from a strong synergy between different disciplines, can lead to the implementation of important tools aimed at knowledge, enhancement and communication of cultural heritage

THE GEO-REFERENCED XIX CENTURY CARTOGRAPHY: AN ANALYSIS TOOL AND A PROJECT REFERENCE FOR THE PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BUILT AND LANDSCAPE HERITAGE

Abstract. Considering built and landscape heritage, the paper demonstrates how it is necessary to conserve the historic stratification and to define new compatible plans and uses, identifying the ways to mitigate alteration impacts, requalify degraded areas, enhance natural, historic and cultural values, improve documentary and educational options, and manage new tasks and opportunities. Particularly, the historic complexity of built and landscape heritage, and the level of permanence can be recognized and evaluated by comparing multi-temporal historic and current maps, and surveying the present situation in order to define preservation strategies.Innovative tools (open source map registry, open source GIS data management) support the critical analysis of the maps, the representation of historic stratification, the evaluation of conservation levels, and the definition of heritage reuse and management. Moreover, innovative applications based on advanced Virtual Hub, when used to publish historical maps as Open Data (GEOPAN ATL@S APP), allow a larger public of non-expert users (tourists, citizens, bikers, students, etc.) to access the extraordinary richness of the historical map contents, and navigate across urban landscapes. Such APPs are thus becoming instruments of awareness with a strong pro-active capacity to stimulate new design plans encompassing local cultural identity and rediscovering traces of the past.</p