Sampled 3D models for cultural heritage: which uses beyond visualization?

Digital technologies are now mature for producing high quality digital replicas of Cultural Heritage (CH) artefacts. The research results produced in the last decade have shown an impressive evolution and consolidation of the technologies for acquiring high-quality digital 3D models (3D scanning) and for rendering those models at interactive speed. Technology is now mature enough to push us to go beyond the plain visualization of those assets, devising new tools able to extend our insight and intervention capabilities and to revise the current consolidated procedures for CH research and management. The paper presents a few recent experiences where high-quality 3D models have been used in CH research, restoration and conservation. These examples constitutes a broad review of different uses of digital 3D assets in the CH domain.