Fluorescence lidar technique for the remote sensing of stone monuments

Abstract This paper presents the first investigation on the remote sensing of stone monuments by fluorescence lidar. The advantages of this technique are manifold and can lead to a fast, extensive and inexpensive control of the stone cultural heritage. The experiments were carried out in both the laboratory and the field, and include the survey of stones coming from different quarries, of epilithic photosynthetic biodeteriogens and of a monument, the Parma Baptistery. The results constitute a first step towards a non-destructive spectral analysis of stone monument surfaces.