A new imaging technique is helping researchers uncover hidden details in the ancient rock paintings of Astuvansalmi, located on the shores of Lake Yövesi in Finland. Project Coordinator Veikko Miettinen from the University of Eastern Finland and his team are using advanced digital tools to analyze the site, where an elk figure gazes across the water under sunny but windy conditions. During a recent field session, they identified three potential new images in just three hours. The breakthrough relies on hyperspectral imaging, a technology that captures hundreds of color channels across visible and near-infrared wavelengths—far beyond the three channels used in traditional photography. This allows researchers to distinguish subtle differences in red pigments, even when they appear similar to the naked eye. By analyzing how light reflects off the rock surface, scientists can identify various paint mixtures and potentially determine their composition and age. The team combines multiple imaging methods: GigaPan panoramic shots, a custom three-camera rig mounted on a long arm, and Matterport 3D scanning. These efforts create a detailed digital twin of the rock face, stored on a cloud server at the site. The 3D model, enhanced with 3D Gaussian Splatting rendering by entrepreneur Rami Saarikorpi, enables precise mapping of colors and patterns. Despite challenges like uneven surfaces and moss covering parts of the rock, the team uses high-precision hyperspectral cameras to capture difficult-to-reach areas. Drone imaging is limited by weather, but plans are in place to conduct it when conditions improve. One of the most innovative aspects of the project is using game engine technology to digitally raise Lake Saimaa’s water level to its ancient height. During the time the paintings were made, the lake was much higher, and people likely painted from boats or ice. By simulating this environment, researchers can identify new potential sites around the lake where undiscovered rock art may lie. The paint used in the artworks is believed to be a mixture of pigments with egg white, fat, or blood. While the team has recreated and scanned similar mixtures in the lab, they cannot take samples from the original paintings, and the material is not suitable for traditional dating methods. Artificial intelligence is being used to detect patterns and recurring motifs, possibly revealing the artistic style of individual creators. Neural networks are trained to compare images from Astuvansalmi with those from other known sites like Alta and Murmansk, where similar depictions of people, animals, and weapons appear. However, researchers caution against over-relying on AI to fill in missing parts of images, as models trained on different cultural contexts could misinterpret or distort the original meaning. Ultimately, the project’s greatest achievement may be digital preservation. Rock paintings are vulnerable to weathering and could vanish within centuries. By creating a detailed digital archive, researchers ensure that these cultural treasures remain accessible to future generations. Virtual reality tools are already being used in museums, such as the Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore, where visitors can explore ancient Arctic environments and even leave virtual handprints—echoing the gestures of our ancestors. The work at Astuvansalmi not only reveals the past but also demonstrates how modern technology can protect and share it with the world.