The 3D reconstruction of historical and cultural heritage monuments is a procedure recommended by the UNESCO World Heritage Institution since 1985. It is crucial when conserving monuments and creating digital twins. Current 3D reconstruction techniques using digital images and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data are considered as cost-effective and efficient methods for the production of high-quality digital 3D models. In the presented study, laser scanning and close-range photogrammetry techniques and images taken by a low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were applied to quickly and completely acquire the point cloud and texture of a historic church in Poland. The aim of this study was to evaluate two options for integrating TLS and UAV data, using ground control points (GCP) measured by two independent techniques: tachymetry and laser scanning. The study shows that the 3D model created based on ground control points acquired by the laser scanning technique has a mean square error RMSEXYZ = 2.5 cm on the check points. The result obtained is not much larger than the second variant of data integration, for which RMSEXYZ = 1.7 cm. Thus, the TLS method was positively evaluated as a GCP measurement technique for the integration of UAV and TLS data and the creation of cartometric 3D models of religious buildings.

The concept of obtaining uniform and high-precision 3D models of large and complex engineering structures based on terrestrial laser scanning surveys highly depends on the accuracy of registering a series of adjacent scans. If it is not possible to place the required number of reference points in the observation scene, and there are no identifiable structural elements that could serve as such reference points, the issue can be solved by using the virtual reference points. The virtual reference points are not marked, but their position can be re-created in the post-processing of the scans on the basis of the geometrical features of the object. In the case of an industrial chimney, these can be the structural axis points determined at arbitrarily selected altitudes. In the solution presented herein, the coordinates of the reference points were independently determined twice: in the geodetic coordinate system using traditional method, in the local system of the scanner using the bisector of the chord of the circle, and by approximation of the circular arc shape of the chimney shell. Both procedures are preceded by the filtration of outliers. The concept of virtual reference points was verified by the measurement of the verticality of the axis and the structural geometry of a steel industrial chimney, which was accessible only on the foundation level.

Horizontal control networks established with monuments are functional if the conditions related to the number of control points, their density, condition and stability of coordinates are met. For functionality defined in those terms, deterministic accuracy characteristics are of little use. The subject matter discussed herein includes the two key features of geodetic control points, i.e., usability and stability. Due to the varying properties of those variables and the impact of the operating time of the system, there is no alternative to reliability-based approach in developing the functionality model. The measures of functionality and the procedures of data acquisition for developing the model of the control network destruction process have been defined. The solution presented herein is relevant for geodetic practice, providing a standard procedure for defining the time frame and the scope of the control network upgrading. The identified destruction process model optimizes this task assuming critical states expressed by the functionality probability. The applied approach is an example of the reliability theory-based approach typical for engineering. The issue of simulating the destruction process is illustrated with the results of the tests of class 3 control networks conducted in Kielce and Lodz regions in Poland. As a result of the tests, the characteristic properties of the control network destruction process have been identified. It was also shown how the patterns of usability and accuracy of the geodetic control points are relevant on the stage of implementing investment project tasks.