<p>3D digitalization has become a common tool in archaeology. However, the post processing of the data produced by the scanners is still quite complex, and the computer models generated are given very few practical applications.</p><p>In this paper, we analyse the key steps involved in the processing of the point clouds. We also review some of the more usual applications for the digital models and propose a conceptual framework for the use of this models in the documentation of cultural heritage.</p>