An integration of digital photogrammetry and GIS for historical building documentation

Abstract

An assessment of the contribution of digital photogrammetry and GIS to the surveying and documentation of cultural heritage objects is the focus of this paper. The approaches include digital image enhancement, digital rectification and restitution, feature extraction for the creation of 3-D GIS models from the photogrammetric record and the computer visualisation of cultural monuments. Can these relatively new technologies offer more than the analogue methods and manuscript archives of the past? For example, even in the very recent past, manual measurements and direct copying of pictures onto transparent foil have served well. Manual 3D processing of terrestrial images using analogue photogrammetric procedures is slow, can register little information and has limited application and cannot be re-examined if the information desired is not directly presented. In addition, it is a very time consuming task and requires the expertise of qualified personal. The paper also highlights the creation and implementation of an Architectural/Archaeological Information System (A/AIS) by integrating digital terrestrial photogrammetry and CAD facilities as applicable to support the reconstruction of the Abbey of St. Avit Senieur in France, Strome Castle in Scotland, Gilbert Scott Building of Glasgow University, Hunter Memorial located in Glasgow University and Anobanini Rock Project in Iran. The recent project has been described in detail now.