Technologies for Heritage Knowledge and Preservation: 3D Point Cloud Modelling, GIS, HBIM, Simulation, Immersive Experiences

Dear Colleagues,

With the advent of remote sensing technologies, the study of architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage has witnessed a considerable reduction in the time needed to record, process and represent data compared to traditional methods. This includes the use of geometric data-capture technologies, such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetric technique, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to reach inaccessible areas or provide a general view. Focusing on geometry, scientific research has addressed point cloud data classification and segmentation using artificial intelligence. Besides, the as-is/as-built 3D parametric modelling from the massive data capture technologies mentioned above makes it possible to represent the geometrical alterations in the assets, which impacts the accuracy of potential analyses. Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM), the application of BIM technology to heritage, follows the parametric modelling process associated with relevant information on the heritage asset.

Another benefit of remote sensing technologies is that they do not require contact with the bodies, thus allowing for building diagnostics through non-destructive testing (NDT) and simulation, as in the case of infrared thermography. Additionally, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are useful to integrate, manage, analyse, and represent heritage-related data.

Finally, interactive technologies focused on users’ experiences such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) allow for immersive content to understand, explore, and disseminate heritage.

However, despite all these advances, further research is required into digital technologies applied to the heritage field to contribute to its understanding and preservation over time. New applications, combinations of software and technologies, processes, and innovative technologies are needed to ensure a greater degree of automation, simplicity of workflows, and more realistic immersive experiences. There is particularly significant room for improvement in the point cloud semantic segmentation and feature recognition for the Scan-to-HBIM process, building diagnostics from remote sensing and as-is geometry-based simulation, and the application of the latest game-engine rendering capabilities.

This Special Issue aims to gather original contributions on the use of digitisation, visualisation, management, analysis, and exploration technologies to support the understanding, study, conservation, and dissemination of heritage assets.

Research articles, review articles, and case studies are welcome. Papers may address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Advances in 3D modelling approaches from 3D point cloud data.
• Automation of the Scan-to-HBIM process.
• Use of GIS and HBIM for heritage management and analysis.
• 3D point cloud data semantic segmentation and feature recognition.
• Sensor data fusion.
• Simulation and non-destructive testing for heritage conservation.
• Game-engine rendering immersive experiences of heritage assets.

Dr. Daniel Antón
Dr. José L. Amaro-Mellado
Dr. Silvana Bruno
Dr. Marinos Ioannides
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Remote Sensing is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• 3D point cloud modelling
• historic building information modelling
• geographic information system
• terrestrial laser scanning
• unmanned aerial vehicle
• structure-from-motion
• semantic segmentation
• data fusion
• simulation and non-destructive testing
• game engine