The Role of Scanning and 3D Reconstruction in Historic Building Conservation

The role of Scanning
and 3D reconstruction in
historic building
conservation

Contents
Chapter 1....................................................................................................................................................3
Research Aim..........................................................................................................................................4
Research Objectives................................................................................................................................4
Research Questions.................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2....................................................................................................................................................5
Concept of digital heritage and virtual reconstruction.............................................................................5
Using laser scanning in Historic building repair......................................................................................5
Reconstructing lost/destroyed architectural sites.....................................................................................8
Methodology............................................................................................................................................12
Analysis and Results................................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................14

Chapter 1
Laser scanning can be referred to as one of the most commonly used methods that is used
for surveying land and helps in measuring and collecting data from buildings, objects, surfaces
etc. in an accurate manner. The data from laser scanners is collected in the form of point cloud
data. Using laser scanning for historic buildings is important as it allows to capture all the details
of the buildings like any unusual surfaces, changes in construction overtime effectively. It is
important to preserve the historic buildings and using the technique of laser scanning, any
requirements that are needed with time can be identified. This helps in making effective
decisions as to how can the data which is captured can be used. This dissertation analyses the
role of laser and 3D reconstruction in conserving historic buildings. It explains the concept of
digital heritage and virtual reconstruction. There is also an explanation of the different tools that
are used in digital scanning and replication for historic buildings along with their application.
Lastly, an evaluation of the role of digital heritage in improving the conservation industry is also
included.
The technique of laser scanning requires a scanning head which has to be mounted on a
surveyor’s tripod. The scanner on the tripod, spins at a very high speed along with a low-energy
laser, that fires a reflecting beam in order to record up to one million points per second. The
points collectively describe the surface that has been scanned and are referred to as a point cloud.
There are different scanners that can be used for different historical sites. The method of laser
scanning helps in preserving the different buildings. The device which is used for obtaining the
3D data of objects through laser beams is called a laser scanner. The technique of laser scanning
is rapidly gaining importance over the years in order to restore the sites or buildings. A 3D laser
scanner provides useful and valuable data at a very high resolution. The respective technology
has proved to be very important and helps in capturing the very delicate as well as complex
details of a historic building’s architecture.
The scanner of the highest resolution allows to represent the different architectural details
in a very precise manner, which is otherwise not possible to obtain through a medium resolution.
The results that are obtained through laser scanning is very precise and allows the researcher to
represent an object with a very high accuracy as well as detail. Not only this, it also helps in

creating a 3D model of a particular historical building. As a result, a lost or damaged historic
building can be restored and conserved in an appropriate manner. A thorough analysis can also
be achieved with the help of this technique. There is no requirement of heavy investment or a
long time and the digital pictures can be obtained much easily as compared to other techniques.
The data which is obtained opens up various possibilities for the future generations. Laser
scanning is among the new technologies that is being used by preservationists. In order to create
a good model requires data that is highly accurate. There are many historic sites that have been
restored and preserved with the help of this technique, Notre Dame Cathedral is one of them.
Research Aim
“To understand the concept of digital heritage and how/why is it used in the building
conservation industry.”
Research Objectives
 To explain the concept of digital heritage and virtual reconstruction.
 To understand the various tools used in digital scanning and replication for historic
buildings and their application.
 Outline the general benefits gained from creating digital records for historic buildings.
 Set out the technological challenges involved in virtual construction for historic buildings.
 Find out how is virtual reconstruction contributing to the conservation industry.
 Evaluate the role of digital heritage in improving the conservation industry.
Research Questions
 What is the concept of digital heritage and virtual reconstruction?
 What are the various tools used in digital scanning and replication for historic buildings
and their application?
 What are the general benefits gained from creating digital records for historic buildings?
 Explain the technological challenges involved in virtual construction for historic buildings?
 How is virtual reconstruction contributing to the conservation industry?
 What is the role of digital heritage in improving the conservation industry?