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Analysis of institutional authors

Mate-Gonzalez, Miguel AngelCorresponding AuthorAguirre De Mata, JulianAuthor

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August 7, 2025
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Comparison of NeRF- and SfM-Based Methods for Point Cloud Reconstruction for Small-Sized Archaeological Artifacts

Publicated to: Remote Sensing. 17 (14): 2535- - 2025-07-21 17(14), DOI: 10.3390/rs17142535

Authors:

Maté-González, MA; Yali, R; Rodríguez-Hernández, J; González-González, E; de Mata, JA
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Affiliations

Univ Politecn Madrid, Escuela Tecn Super Ingn Topog Geodesia & Cartog, Dept Ingn Cartograf Geodes & Fotogrametria, Madrid 28031, Spain - Author
Univ Salamanca, Higher Polytech Sch Avila, Dept Cartog & Terrain Engn, Hornos Caleros 50, Avila 05003, Spain - Author

Abstract

This study presents a critical evaluation of image-based 3D reconstruction techniques for small archaeological artifacts, focusing on a quantitative comparison between Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF), its recent Gaussian Splatting (GS) variant, and traditional Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. The research targets artifacts smaller than 5 cm, characterized by complex geometries and reflective surfaces that pose challenges for conventional recording methods. To address the limitations of traditional methods without resorting to the high costs associated with laser scanning, this study explores NeRF and GS as cost-effective and efficient alternatives. A comprehensive experimental framework was established, incorporating ground-truth data obtained using a metrological articulated arm and a rigorous quantitative evaluation based on root mean square (RMS) error, Chamfer distance, and point cloud density. The results indicate that while NeRF outperforms GS in terms of geometric fidelity, both techniques still exhibit lower accuracy compared to SfM, particularly in preserving fine geometric details. Nonetheless, NeRF demonstrates strong potential for rapid, high-quality 3D documentation suitable for visualization and dissemination purposes in cultural heritage. These findings highlight both the current capabilities and limitations of neural rendering techniques for archaeological documentation and suggest promising future research directions combining AI-based models with traditional photogrammetric pipelines.
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Keywords

3d reconstructionArchaeological artifactsArchaeologyArcheologyArchitectureCost effectivenessGaussian splattinGaussian splattingGaussiansHistoric preservationImage reconstructionMotion-based methodsNerfNeural networksNeural radiance fieldPhotogrammetryPoint-cloud reconstructionPoint-cloudsSplattingStructure from motionThree dimensional computer graphics

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Remote Sensing due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2025, it was in position 47/258, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Geosciences, Multidisciplinary.

Independientemente del impacto esperado determinado por el canal de difusión, es importante destacar el impacto real observado de la propia aportación.

Según las diferentes agencias de indexación, el número de citas acumuladas por esta publicación hasta la fecha 2026-04-26:

  • WoS: 1
  • Scopus: 1
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Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-04-26:

  • The use, from an academic perspective evidenced by the Altmetric agency indicator referring to aggregations made by the personal bibliographic manager Mendeley, gives us a total of: 9.
  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 9 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.
    • Assignment of a Handle/URN as an identifier within the deposit in the Institutional Repository: https://oa.upm.es/95494/

    As a result of the publication of the work in the institutional repository, statistical usage data has been obtained that reflects its impact. In terms of dissemination, we can state that, as of

    • Views: 13
    • Downloads: 9
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    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (MATE GONZALEZ, MIGUEL ANGEL) and Last Author (AGUIRRE DE MATA, JULIAN).

    the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been MATE GONZALEZ, MIGUEL ANGEL.

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    Awards linked to the item

    This work has been funded by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades Agencia Estatal de Investigacion through grants from the European Union "NextGenerationEU"/PRTR (RF.CNS2023-144126), and by the Junta Castilla y Leon (SA080P24).
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