3D high-definition scanning: Data recording and virtual modelling of the built heritage

Abstract

Richard Laingholds qualifi cations in Surveying and History, and completed a PhD in value assessment at RGU. Since 1999, he has led and participated in a number of research commissions, including ' Streetscapes ' , ' Greenspace ' and ' Urban Connections. In addition, he has recently led research and development projects for the Department of Health, the ESF and Interreg ERDF, as well as participating as a co-investigator on work supported by the ESRC. He represents the RICS on the European Construction Technology Platform, with a particular emphasis on energy effi ciency in buildings. Jonathan Scottcompleted an HND in Architectural Technology in 1992, followed by a degree in Architectural Technology, graduating in 1998 with a fi rst-class award. Supported by an EPSRC studentship, Scott undertook a PhD, completed in 2004, in the fi eld of environmental design, creating a decision-making tool for the selection of detached homes. Except for a short stint in industry, he has worked in research and teaching, developing his interests in the areas of environmental design, energy monitoring, life-cycle analysis, social and occupancy evaluation. In addition, he is also interested in CAD, surveying technologies and historic conservation. Scott is a course leader in Architectural Technology at RGU.Correspondence: Richard Laing , The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, ABERDEEN AB10 7QB, UK E-mail: r.laing@rgu.ac.uk ABSTRACT This article discusses the use of high-defi nition 3D scanning in the recording and modelling of the built heritage. In particular, it explores how such technology can be used as a complement to both traditional measurement and historic records, as well as in the 3D surface modelling of heritage detail. The article uses examples from cinema buildings of the twentieth century, which arguably embody both an important physical record of society and a challenge in terms of representing a complex range of historical, cultural, economic and physical data sets. The work provides an overview of visualisation techniques that are appropriate to the subject, and provides a case study taken from the city of Aberdeen. In particular, attention is drawn towards the manner in which large and physically complicated structures can be recorded rapidly, to provide a permanent record of dimensions and building form. Furthermore, the data set produced through use of a 3D scanner can be readily translated for incorporation within architectural models such as a 3D surface mesh. The article concludes that emerging technologies will facilitate the rapid collection of highly accurate information pertaining to the still intact physical structure, where still in place, but that such data must be related directly to wider contextual information so that informed plans can be formulated for future developments, including conservation strategies.

(Re)presenting heritage: Laser scanning and 3D visualisations for cultural resilience and community engagement

“…We found that technologies to support data capture, such as scanning and photogrammetry, have developed significantly in recent years, and that newer laser scanners offer the ability to capture larger areas in less time, and at a higher resolution than was previously the case. There have also been developments to assist with the transformation of that data into forms which can be useful to local authorities, heritage organisation, tourists and members of the community [23, 24, 28]. The research makes contributions to the field of heritage-led community engagement and resilience in a number of respects.…”

“…For example, recording scientific data about sites for the purposes of technical conservation (e.g. condition monitoring), or facilitating new forms of public engagement with heritage [22, 23]. Where these have been applied within a built heritage context, specific challenges have been addressed, including those concerned with recording, 3D scanning [24], photogrammetry and adaption of data for incorporation within modelling techniques [25].…”

Research on Protection and Restoration of Heritage Buildings Based on Heritage Building Information Model (HBIM) Technology and Its Application

“…Multi-site scanning can be performed on the inside and outside of cultural relic buildings. The scanned data must undergo data noise reduction processing to obtain a complete point cloud data model for heritage buildings [13][14][15][16][17] ("Fig. 3");  Next, it is to survey and map the decorative lines and patterns of heritage buildings on the spot, and combine historical data, literature and social and cultural background and other survey data to build a decorative pattern library of heritage buildings.…”