Recording and modeling Paleolithic caves through laser scanning

This paper deals with the application of a non-destructive technique, terrestrial laser scanner, for the recording and modeling of rock art at caves. Two emblematic paleolithic caves have been tested using this technology: 'Las Caldas' cave, declared Good of Cultural Interest in the 70's and nowadays, Protected Natural Area; and 'Pena de Candamo' cave, declared National Monument from the XXth century beginnings. Both caves share the same geographical context, the north of Spain (Asturias region), and belong to the most brilliant Upper Paleolithic period: Middle Magdalenian (ca. 14,000 BP). As a result, a metric laser model is generated which allow to the prehistorian works in three different levels, integrating different datasets belong to Paleolithic Art. From a basic level based on a metric 3D support with points cloud and polygonal models to a digital archiving of rock art at caves and even the development of virtual and interactive environments.