Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
Dr. Valeria Cera is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II. With a Ph.D. in Surveying and Representation of Architecture and Environment, she contributes extensively to heritage digitization, urban survey, and AI-based semantic modeling. A founding member of REAACH and collaborator with institutions such as CNRS (France), University of Tianjin (China), and University of Valladolid (Spain), her international research fosters digital transitions in heritage studies. She teaches Architectural Drawing and Surveying across multiple academic levels and contributes to the editorial and scientific boards of key journals and book series. She holds memberships in ICOMOS, UID, and the Europeana Network. Recognized for her role in blending cultural heritage with digital technologies, she has authored over 70 publications and led 30+ research projects.
Author Profile
Strengths for the Award
Innovative Expertise in Digital Cultural Heritage
Dr. Valeria Cera is a leading scholar in the field of architectural documentation, semantic 3D modeling, and digital representation of heritage assets. Her research integrates Scan-to-BIM, semantic annotation, and AI-based tools to enhance the documentation, analysis, and conservation of historical and urban environments. Her work stands at the intersection of technology and humanities, where she uses computational innovation to preserve and promote cultural identity.
Strong Academic and Editorial Credentials
Dr. Cera holds a Ph.D. in Surveying and Representation of Architecture and Environment and currently serves as a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Naples Federico II. She has published over 70 journal and Award papers (many in Scopus-indexed venues) and contributed as a reviewer and editorial board member to journals such as MDPI’s Remote Sensing and Sustainability, DisegnareCon, and the International Journal of Computational Methods in Heritage Science.
Project Leadership and Global Collaborations
She has contributed to over 30 research projects, including international efforts with the University of Valladolid (Spain), University of Tianjin (China), CNRS (France), and regional cultural heritage bodies in Italy. These collaborations highlight her global outlook and commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary research in heritage science.
Institutional and Professional Engagement
Dr. Cera plays a pivotal role in academia through her teaching in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and advanced restoration programs. She is a founding member of REAACH (Representation Advances and Challenges APS), and an active member of respected professional organizations such as ICOMOS, UID, ENA Europeana Network, and IBIMI Building Smart. Her cross-sectoral influence spans academia, policy, and cultural institutions.
🎓 Education
Dr. Cera earned her Ph.D. in Surveying and Representation of Architecture and Environment from the University of Naples Federico II. Her advanced studies integrated architectural geometry, photogrammetry, and computational modeling. During her doctoral work, she explored emerging methods for spatial data capture and semantic 3D modeling, laying the foundation for her later work on Scan-to-BIM systems and H-BIM processes. She has continuously built upon her educational background through academic teaching and applied research in heritage documentation, visualization, and urban modeling. In 2020, she was awarded National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor, underscoring her scholarly contributions and academic leadership.
Dr. Valeria Cera’s research is situated at the intersection of digital cultural heritage, semantic 3D modeling, and human-centered interface design. Her work advances the representation and conservation of historic architecture through techniques such as Scan-to-BIM, natural user interfaces, and semantic annotation. With a strong foundation in survey science, her research extends to multi-sensor fusion, low-cost documentation systems, and real-time AR/AI-based monitoring. She also investigates gamification and immersive technologies to enhance public engagement with built heritage. Her aim is to optimize processes for heritage analysis, documentation, and communication—making use of digital twins and intelligent systems that preserve cultural identity in an accessible way.
📚Publication Top Notes
🔬 1. Semantically Annotated 3D Material Supporting the Design of Natural User Interfaces for Architectural Heritage
Authors: V. Cera, A. Origlia, F. Cutugno, M. Campi
Conference: AVI*CH (Advanced Visual Interfaces for Cultural Heritage), 2018
Citations: 13
Summary:
This work proposes a method for enriching 3D architectural models with semantic data, enabling interaction through natural user interfaces (NUIs). Targeted at non-experts—tourists, students, or citizens—it enables intuitive exploration of architectural data through gestures and voice. The study also integrates linguistic linked open data with spatial datasets, creating a hybrid model that bridges computational linguistics, 3D graphics, and cultural storytelling.
📡 2. Evaluating the Potential of Imaging Rover for Automatic Point Cloud Generation
Authors: V. Cera, M. Campi
Journal: The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2017
Citations: 11
Summary:
The authors develop a low-cost mobile rover system equipped with photogrammetric sensors for autonomous data acquisition in complex heritage sites. It evaluates imaging geometry, stability, and point cloud density to determine accuracy. The paper advances field-based survey methodologies where traditional tools are infeasible, especially in confined or fragile environments.
🧱 3. Segmentation Protocols in the Digital Twins of Monumental Heritage: A Methodological Development
Authors: V. Cera, M. Campi
Journal: DisegnareCon, 2021
Citations: 9
Summary:
This paper introduces standardized segmentation protocols for processing 3D scans of monumental architecture. These protocols improve the quality and interpretability of digital twins used in restoration, conservation, and analysis. The methodology addresses semantic and geometric partitioning in HBIM models, providing a repeatable workflow for complex heritage assets.
🏛️ 4. Knowledge and Valorization of Historical Sites through Low-Cost, Gaming Sensors and H-BIM Models: The Case of Liternum
Author: V. Cera
Journal: Archeologia e Calcolatori, 2017
Citations: 8
Summary:
Using Microsoft Kinect and similar gaming sensors, this study constructs cost-effective 3D reconstructions of the ancient Roman town of Liternum. The paper presents an H-BIM model that integrates historical layers, semantic annotation, and interactive visualization. It contributes to democratizing heritage access and documentation, especially for small-scale or underfunded archaeological projects.
🏙️ 5. Fast Survey Procedures in Urban Scenarios: Some Tests with 360° Cameras
Authors: V. Cera, M. Campi
Journal: The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2022
Citations: 6
Summary:
The authors assess 360° panoramic cameras as tools for rapid urban data acquisition. Through field trials, they compare image quality, georeferencing accuracy, and integration with BIM workflows. This technique offers fast, scalable solutions for documenting complex urban heritage, particularly in dynamic or inaccessible environments.
Conclusion
Dr. Valeria Cera is highly deserving of the Women Researcher Award. Her pioneering contributions to digital modeling, semantic systems, and architectural heritage documentation exemplify excellence in research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her work has advanced both academic knowledge and public policy approaches to cultural preservation. With her ongoing research momentum and leadership roles, she is well-positioned to shape the future of digital heritage science, making her an outstanding representative for women in science and technology.
