The aim of the paper is to present some experiences of using modern technologies to historical buildings digitalization. The emphasis is placed on the possibilities of spatial data collecting, as well as on subsequent 3D modelling. The paper describes the proposed survey techniques which are based on the Terrestrial Laser Scanning and photogrammetry. The authors obtained the point cloud by using the laser scanner Faro Focus 3D and dedicated software to combine scans (target based and cloud to cloud methods). The paper also provides an introduction to issues related to a method of building structure modelling based on a pointcloud. The authors proposed some computer software tools that could improve work with a point cloud and the modelling process. The resulting 3D model could be both a source of information about historical building and a sufficient base to create computational model with spatial finite elements. The subject of the case study is the St. Hubert Chapel located in Rzeszów (Poland) and built in the middle of the 18th century under the patronage of the Lubomirski family. This rococo chapel is one of the most valuable architectural monuments in the region. Historical Building Information Model (HBIM) could be helpful in analysis, visualisations and conservation practice of this precious monument. Diagnosing the current object state and assessing its technical condition could be the purpose of creating a computational FEM model.

The proper maintenance of historical monuments and their use is one of the pillars of sustainable development. Over the years, historic architectural buildings have undergone numerous changes resulting from reconstruction, expansion, or damage caused both by natural and other disasters. Therefore, their contemporary appearance is the result of these changes. Thanks to the documentation of their transformations, one has the opportunity to get to know their history. Currently, thanks to advanced technology, it is becoming easier and easier to document various historical monuments. However, the method of their documentation, especially the possibility of their reconstruction and the creation of 3D models depends mostly on the data resources at one’s disposal. This article compares two extreme methods of recreating an architectural object that has undergone some changes throughout history. One of the methods is to reconstruct the object on the basis of a photograph using geometrical rules and computer aid, while the other is based on laser scanning. Due to the fact that the same object is being reconstructed by means of both methods, it is possible to evaluate and compare the applied methods and estimate their accuracy, as well as to draw conclusions about the transformations of the reconstructed object over the years.