3-D Digital Documentation and Preservation of a Heritage Structure Using Advanced Technologies

Abstract: Heritage Structures often possess Historical, Architectural, Associative and/or Cultural Significance. These Structures need to be cared about and well preserved to keep up the legacy of the structure. The 3D model of the structure is obtained through various equipment like photogrammetry, LIDAR, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Terrestrial Laser Scanner etc. Their usage has proved to be both highly accurate and time saving when compared to the traditional methods. The data obtained from them is in the form of a cloud, mesh or spatial data which helps in arriving at efficient methods for the conservation of the structure. Using spatial data, on site remains, historical sources, the structure (if partially or completely damaged) can be digitally reconstructed and it can depict the evolution of the structure over the years after being constantly subjected to various external factors. The digitally preserved structure can also be used in the virtual reality space for further applications for instance to promote tourism or creating virtual environments. Using UAVs, historic Structures can be monitored periodically to study the disintegration of the structure. The paper also explores intermediate methods like Virtual Tour Environments (VT) and Information Modelling (IM) which lie between the 3D Digital Documentation and traditional methods.

Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Preservation, Digital Documentation, Reconstruction, Historic Structures