Jul 2026· The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences· Vol XLIX-B1-2026, pp. 151-159· 0 citations· 3 references
Abstract
Abstract. Static Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and SLAM-based Portable Mobile Laser Scanning (PMLS) are increasingly adopted in Cultural Heritage (CH) documentation, but their suitability for Historic/Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) depends on both data quality and acquisition conditions. This paper compares a 2022 TLS survey and a 2025 handheld PMLS survey of San Giacomo Church (Como, Italy) to assess whether the latter can reliably support HBIM-oriented documentation. The methodology combines dataset-level comparison and ROI-based analysis on four stable architectural elements: apsis, pillar, timber roof truss, and central dome. Three complementary metrics were used: a local density proxy, a scale-dependent coverage ratio, and M3C2 distance statistics for geometric agreement. Results show that PMLS is consistently less dense than TLS but remains effective for 1:100 scale documentation and, in several cases, also for 1:50. Statistics on M3C2 distance remain generally within centimetric ranges, indicating good local agreement where surfaces are effectively observed. The study demonstrates that sensor suitability not only depends on the geometric complexity but also on sensor-to-surface distance, visibility, and acquisition geometry, supporting hybrid TLS–PMLS workflows for CH HBIM.
The integration of advanced terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) techniques into building information modelling (BIM) workflows has significantly enhanced the digitization and preservation of cultural heritage sites. In this context, crowdsourcing can operate as a complementary upstream mechanism for enriching heritage inventories, supporting participatory mapping, collecting preliminary condition observations, and prioritizing assets for subsequent expert-led TLS acquisition, HBIM modelling, and structural assessment. This paper explores the application of TLS within BIM for the structural assessment and the long-term monitoring of historic structures. The reviewed studies show how high-resolution TLS data can support the development and updating of geometry-informed structural models, enabling detailed structural assessment and effective management strategies. The reviewed case studies demonstrate the practical benefits of integrating TLS with BIM, such as improved accuracy in structural assessments, enhanced data processing capabilities, and the creation of comprehensive digital twins. These advancements facilitate better-informed decision-making and targeted preventive measures, contributing to the resilience and preservation of cultural heritage assets. The results underscore the contribution of TLS–BIM/HBIM workflows to condition-informed documentation, structural assessment, conservation planning, and long-term heritage management. This research was supported by the ERA4CH project, which aims to protect European cities’ cultural heritage from earthquake risks through innovative monitoring and management tools.
Elias A. Christoforou, Theoklitos Klitou, Ourania Douni et al.· Buildings· 0 citations
Abstract. The 3D documentation of complex scenes—characterized by restricted spaces, irregular geometries, and poor lighting—remains a significant challenge in cultural heritage. This study proposes a rapid data acquisition methodology based on the multi-sensor fusion of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Spherical Photogrammetry (SP). The approach was validated in two distinct complex environments: an ancient Egyptian rock-cut tomb (QH36, Aswan, Egypt) and a natural Iberian sanctuary cave (Cueva de la Lobera, Jaén, Spain). The methodology uses TLS to establish a high-precision geometric backbone, achieving registration errors below 0.5 cm. By extracting Ground Control Points (GCPs) directly from the TLS point cloud, the reliance on traditional total station surveying was significantly reduced, enhancing fieldwork efficiency. SP was implemented to obtain realistic textures and to support geometry by using a 360-degree multi-camera with integrated LED lighting, providing full spherical coverage and high-resolution textures. Results indicate that SP is at least six times faster than conventional photogrammetry. Furthermore, the use of TLS-derived meshes enabled advanced digital masking to remove non-interest objects (e.g., archaeological equipment) from the final models. While conventional photogrammetry remains the benchmark for fine architectural details, this research demonstrates that the TLS-SP fusion is the most viable solution for the rapid, high-accuracy documentation of constrained heritage sites. This hybrid workflow ensures geometric integrity while drastically reducing acquisition times, providing a robust framework for future archaeological and conservation projects.
A. Mozas-Calvache, José Luis Pérez-García, J. M. Gómez-López et al.· The International Archives o...· 0 citations
The documentation and management of heritage structures in arid environments present significant challenges due to environmental deterioration, limited historical records, and the complexity of capturing irregular architectural forms. This study presents a structured Scan-to-HBIM workflow integrating terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), photogrammetry, and Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) for the digital documentation of Qasr Harrana, one of the most significant examples of Umayyad desert architecture in Jordan. The proposed workflow combines reality-capture technologies with parametric modelling to generate an information-rich HBIM model that supports the systematic organization of geometric, architectural, and condition-related data. The methodology includes field data acquisition using TLS and digital photography, point cloud processing and registration, photogrammetric image integration, geometric reconstruction, and the development of parametric HBIM components representing key architectural elements of the monument. The resulting model was assessed through geometric verification procedures and was used to document architectural features, spatial organization, and visible deterioration conditions. The study demonstrates how established reality-capture technologies can be integrated within a coherent documentation framework to support the creation of accurate and reusable digital heritage records. Rather than proposing new acquisition algorithms or modelling techniques, the contribution of this research lies in the structured adaptation and implementation of existing Scan-to-HBIM methods for the documentation of desert heritage architecture. The resulting HBIM model provides a comprehensive digital archive that can facilitate future conservation, management, and research activities while improving the accessibility and long-term usability of heritage documentation data.
A. Baik, Yahya Alshawabkeh· The Heritage· 0 citations
An integrated and open digital workflow for the survey, management, and reuse of complex architectural heritage, using Villa Aldrovandi-Mazzacorati as a case study is presented, offering a scalable and transferable framework for future 3D heritage initiatives across architectural and territorial contexts.
Marco Medici, Andrea Sterpin, Stefano Settimo et al.· Journal on Computing and Cul...· 0 citations
This paper presents a pilot educational workflow that couples 3D remote sensing with heritage-driven pedagogy by engaging architecture master’s students in the documentation and digital archiving of Transylvanian cultural sites. Using terrestrial and mobile 3D scanning, students documented multiple typologies—wooden churches (Târgușor, Tioltiur), historical ensembles (Mociu, Coplean), industrial sites (1 Mai–Luduș, Vânătorilor–Luduș), and an urban street segment (Potaissa)—to generate dense point clouds that served as the basis for geometric reconstruction, semantic interpretation, and condition assessment. The study describes how the characteristics of different construction systems (timber, brick, stone, mixed structures) relate to point-cloud quality, survey coverage, and subsequent CAD/BIM drafting, with attention to the qualitative reading of minor deformations in wooden churches and of degradation patterns in masonry and industrial buildings. We also consider how artefacts in the data (noise, occlusions, registration errors) affect scene understanding and the interpretation of derived observations relevant to condition assessment and, prospectively, to monitoring. For the Tioltiur dual-sensor case, the TLS and SLAM datasets were compared through an internal CloudCompare registration check (final RMS 0.1121 on 50,000 points, fixed scale 1.0 and theoretical overlap 100%), surface-density displays (r = 0.005 for the Z+F dataset and for the GeoSLAM dataset), fitted-wall-plane readings (dip values around 89 deg. and 85 deg.) and a longitudinal section documenting roof/vault deformation. Beyond technical performance, the paper examines the self-reported formative impact on students’ digital skills and their understanding of cultural values, arguing that participation in 3D data acquisition, processing, and interpretation positions them as co-creators of a living digital archive. Pre- and post-workshop questionnaires (n = 13 each) are analysed descriptively—counts, percentages and medians with interquartile ranges—because the two instruments are unmatched and carry no shared identifier, so no paired test is applied; post-workshop self-ratings of technical competence, heritage understanding, archival awareness and collaboration were consistently high (medians 4–5), with uneven access to VR the main gap. By connecting point-cloud-based documentation workflows with heritage education, the project outlines a transferable, monitoring-ready baseline model in which 3D remote sensing supports both careful documentation and the transmission of regional identity and cultural meaning in architectural training. As an exploratory pilot with a small, self-reported sample, the study reports descriptive and qualitative findings rather than validated metric or statistical results.
A. Voinea, C. Neamțu, Virgil Pop· Remote Sensing· 0 citations
Abstract. Historic gardens represent living heritage systems in which spatial configuration evolves through the interaction among vegetation dynamics, environmental conditions, and ongoing management. However, current 3D documentation approaches often treat these landscapes as static entities, limiting their ability to capture and interpret temporal transformations. This study proposes a multi-sensor, multi-temporal approach for the systematic documentation and monitoring of historic gardens, integrating UAV photogrammetry and mobile laser scanning (MLS) to enhance spatial completeness and analytical reliability.Two survey campaigns conducted at Villa Burba (Italy) in 2023 and 2025 produced multi-temporal datasets acquired under different environmental conditions. Following multi-sensor integration and temporal harmonisation, point cloud comparison was performed using the Cloud-to-cloud (C2C) distances and Multiscale Model-to-Model Cloud Comparison (M3C2) methods to quantify spatial differences. The results demonstrate centimetre-level geometric consistency and improved ground coverage by integrating UAV and MLS data, ensuring reliable comparability between epochs. Based on this, spatial changes were identified, including variations in vegetation structure, tree-removal events, terrain modifications, and changes to the internal watercourse. These findings were validated against botanical surveys and maintenance records, confirming their consistency with documented management activities and environmental conditions. To support interpretation and accessibility, the multi-temporal datasets were further deployed in GIS and on the Cesium platform using 3D Tiles, enabling interactive exploration and long-term data use. This proposed approach demonstrates how integrating photogrammetry with complementary surveying techniques can support multi-temporal analysis, contributing to more informed monitoring and interpretation of historic gardens as evolving landscapes.
Fangming Li, C. Achille, R. Laviscio et al.· The International Archives o...· 0 citations
