Measured evidence
CIELAB coordinates and reflectance spectra sampled in at least 13 bands remain tied to their exact position on the object.
Cultural Heritage & Conservation
Map pigments, distinguish original materials from later overpaints and retouchings, and monitor degradation over time, all without physical sampling.
Spectral data
What it helps you decide
Answers that guide treatment decisions
Every point of the object becomes a measured spectrum, so each answer has an exact location and data behind it.
- 01
Which pigments differ?
Separate pigments that look identical to the eye by comparing their spectra.
- 02
Where are the overpaints?
Retouchings that match in daylight often stand out in UV and near-infrared.
- 03
How is the surface changing?
Repeat calibrated captures to measure fading, darkening or new damage, pixel by pixel.
Application evidence
Same Colour, Different Pigment
Two blues on Giotto's polyptych match by colour, yet the spectrum shows they are different pigments, measured without touching the work.
Bologna Polyptych (Polittico di Giotto),
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, ItalyRegion of interest
Reference point
Colorimetric likelihood
Looks identical
Spectral likelihood
Different pigment revealedSpectral difference reveals what the eye cannot see.
Capabilities
01
Spectral and multispectral capture
Configured around the application and its required evidence.
02
Colorimetric documentation
Configured around the application and its required evidence.
03
Registration and comparative analysis
Configured around the application and its required evidence.
A controlled path from question to evidence.
01
Define
Clarify the object, conservation question and required evidence.
02
Acquire & calibrate
Capture calibrated image data under controlled conditions.
03
Correlate & map
Connect spectral and colour differences to their spatial context.
RESEARCH & PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
Connected to European research and the conservation supply chain.
Profilocolore is an SME beneficiary of the UNVEIL Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network and an Assorestauro associate member in analysis, survey and diagnostics.
Pigment & Condition Mapping
Where do materials differ and what has changed?
Selected points
Point 1 · reflectance spectrum
350–950 nm · reflectance 0–1Point 2 · reflectance spectrum
350–950 nm · reflectance 0–1Spectral comparison · Point 1 vs Point 2
Similar blue in the visible range, different behaviour in the near-infrared · spectral similarity 76%Point 1Point 2
Project case study: multispectral analysis of the glazed tile decoration of a madrasa in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Application
Combine spatial and spectral evidence to map pigments, possible overpaints, previous interventions and degradation patterns without taking physical samples.
Operational value: Focus specialist attention, strengthen documentation and support more informed conservation decisions.
Outputs
- Material and pigment distribution maps
- Spectral curves linked to image positions
- Condition and difference layers
- Calibrated colour documentation
Technology path
01
SpectraPick
Connects measurements, spectra and processed layers to their exact image positions.
02
PickViewer
Supports comparison of measured reflectance with reference spectral data.
03
Spectral DataBase
Measures, maps and reports change between calibrated acquisitions.
04
DeltaPick / DeltaViewer
Aligns and corrects multispectral images and performs colour and spectral calibration.
CASE STUDY 01 · CULTURAL HERITAGE & CONSERVATION
Mapping material differences across a surface
A non-invasive HMI application designed to separate spectral behaviours, connect them to precise image locations and support conservation interpretation.
The question
Where do materials, interventions or condition patterns differ—even when the visible image appears continuous?
01
Subject
Paintings, frescoes and decorated surfaces
02
Objective
Material and condition differentiation
03
Output
Spatial spectral maps and selected-point curves
Challenge
Conservators need to understand how a surface varies without removing samples from every area of interest. Conventional photography documents appearance, but visually similar regions may respond differently across the spectrum.
Method
01
Define regions of interest
Identify the conservation question, representative areas and acquisition scale before configuring the system.
02
Acquire calibrated bands
Capture registered image bands under controlled illumination with spectral and radiometric references.
03
Compare pixel responses
Inspect spectra at selected points and group areas with similar or contrasting reflectance behaviour.
04
Return spatial evidence
Deliver interpretable maps and curves while preserving the exact location of each measurement.
Evidence returned
- Registered spectral image cube
- Reflectance curves from selected points
- Material-difference or condition maps
- Repeatable acquisition record
Operational value
The result is not a material identification claim in isolation. It is a calibrated evidence layer that helps specialists target interpretation, comparison and any subsequent analytical work.
Technology
- HMI acquisition system
- Calibrated illumination
- Spectral analysis software
- Colour and radiometric references
Measurement confidence
Scientific measurements, not only diagnostic images.
Calibrated acquisition and processing deliver approximately 98% accuracy and repeatability, turning each image into comparable colorimetric and spectral evidence.
Controlled references
Absolute radiometric and colorimetric references connect field acquisition to laboratory measurement and international metrology standards.
Non-invasive operation
Portable, battery-capable configurations support acquisition on site without contact with the surface.