Virtual architectural 3D model of the imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom) of Königslutter, Germany through terrestrial laser scanning

Abstract

The imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom) of Königslutter, Germany, is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture north of the Alps. In April 2010 complex conservation and restoration works were finished to celebrate the 875 th anniversary of the laying of the cathedral's foundation stone. The imposing structure of the cathedral was recorded internally and externally in 3D using terrestrial laser scanning in January and June 2010 as part of a student project at the HafenCity University Hamburg. The goal of the project was the 3D CAD construction of the cathedral using laser scanning point clouds to derive both a virtual and physical (replica) 3D model for the documentation and visualisation of the building. Furthermore, a virtual tour around and through the cathedral was generated from spherical panorama photographs, which were acquired from several camera stations surrounding and inside the building. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.