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Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage

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A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 31543

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marcello La Guardia

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Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Sant’Agata, 98158 Messina, Italy
Interests: geomatics; GIS analysis; digital twins; UAV acquisition; digital photogrammetry; 3D modelling; cultural heritage; machine learning; virtual reality; augmented reality; remote sensing
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Dr. Mila Koeva

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Guest Editor

Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
Interests: 3D land information; photogrammetry and remote sensing; UAV; 3D modeling and visualization/digital twins
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Mauro Lo Brutto

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: photogrammetry; 3D modeling; laser scanning; UASs (unmanned aircraft systems); remote sensing; topography
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to submit original contributions on the topic of building information modelling (BIM), digital twins and 3D web exploration for the management, enjoyment and conservation of cultural heritage.

The use of BIM processes in heritage contexts remains a challenge due to the complexity and variety of historic architectural languages/methods which must be digitally reproduced in parametric objects. Recent topics in this field have included the scan-to-BIM, machine learning and deep learning methodologies that will help to automatically recognize architectural elements from the variety of remotely sensed data. The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) applications opens up new possibilities for the development of cultural heritage digital twins to monitor real-time data acquisitions and subject them to analysis for management and conservation purposes. 3D web exploration solutions are becoming even more essential for the management, dissemination and enjoyment of cultural heritage.

This Special issue aims to collect high-quality papers dealing with various issues related to the application and the integration of computer science and innovative geomatics methodologies for cultural heritage using BIM and/or digital twining processes. In exploring these methodologies, articles should focus on open-source solutions, 3D data optimization, and web-based frameworks. Case studies in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) solutions for cultural heritage will also be considered for inclusion.

Dr. Marcello La Guardia
Dr. Mila Koeva
Dr. Mauro Lo Brutto
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. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1600 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.

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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36 pages, 16758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping an Information Model for Historic Built Heritage into the IndoorGML Standard: The Case of the Pitti Palace

by Adele Meucci, Valentina Bonora, Lidia Fiorini, Alessandro Conti, Manuela Corongiu, Stefano Romanelli and Grazia Tucci

Heritage 2025, 8(4), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8040115 - 24 Mar 2025

Viewed by 266

Abstract

The paper explores the significance of digitalization and spatial modeling for the preservation and management of cultural heritage, addressing challenges posed by architectural complexity and extensive data volumes and developing a tailored data model to organize and integrate geometric, material, and historical information. The case study of Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy, is proposed, considering that its architectural complexity and cultural significance require innovative approaches to documentation and management. The “Pitti Data Model” is proposed as a tailored information system to organize and manage the data. It classifies spaces by adopting a hierarchical approach that supports detailed spatial analysis and reflects the historical and functional diversity of the site. The model links geometric data with thematic data such as material types, state of conservation, and historical names of spaces, providing a multi-dimensional understanding of the building. Based on Getty’s Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT), a controlled vocabulary was employed to ensure semantic consistency and interoperability. This semantic enrichment facilitates the integration of geometric data with broader heritage information systems. The paper presents, therefore, the integration in existing standards like INSPIRE, CityGML, and IndoorGML, thus providing a data model supporting efficient querying and visualization in a GeoDB that integrates spatial and non-spatial data, supporting collaborative and sustainable heritage management by enabling advanced analyses such as visitor flow optimization and conservation planning. This aligns with the concept of Heritage Digital Twins (HDT), which are interactive, evolving representations of cultural assets. HDTs support collaborative and sustainable heritage management by enabling stakeholders to access, analyze, and update information in real time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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47 pages, 6020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Systems Thinking Approach to the Development of Historic Building Information Modelling: Part 2—Definition of Requirements

by Lucy J. Lovell, Richard J. Davies and Dexter V. L. Hunt

Heritage 2025, 8(3), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8030093 - 24 Feb 2025

Viewed by 444

Abstract

Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is the application of BIM, a digital information management and 3D modelling technique, to cultural heritage (CH) assets. It will assist with the ongoing sustainable management of CH in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (i.e., SDG 11 and SDG 13) by providing an enduring record of asset information and enabling the energy-efficient use and adaption of assets. However, the application of HBIM is currently limited by a lack of defined end-user requirements and standard methodology in its application. This paper is the second piece in a series of works where the authors adopted a systems thinking approach, utilising both the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and hard systems engineering (SE), for the development of HBIM. This paper presents the results of an extensive survey undertaken with the UK Heritage Community. It validates forty-one previously proposed information requirements, identifies a further twenty new information requirements for HBIM, and utilises the SE process to define thirty-three system requirements for HBIM according to the end user. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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43 pages, 3683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Systems Thinking Approach to the Development of HBIM: Part 1—The Problematic Situation

by Lucy J. Lovell, Richard J. Davies and Dexter V. L. Hunt

Heritage 2025, 8(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8010021 - 9 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 954

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an information management and modelling technique frequently employed by the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. The application of BIM to Cultural Heritage (CH), otherwise known as Historic BIM (HBIM), will assist with the ongoing sustainable management of CH. However, the application of HBIM is currently limited by a lack of defined end-user requirements and standard methodology in its application. To address this, the authors propose a systems thinking approach, utilising both the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and hard Systems Engineering (SE), for the development of HBIM. Subsequently, this paper presents the results of an extensive survey undertaken with the United Kingdom (UK) Heritage Community to identify challenges faced by the CH sector and utilises the SSM to propose the core purpose of HBIM within the CH sector. The responses to the survey suggest that the development of HBIM should prioritise the promotion of structured information management instead of the generation of detailed geometric models, a key theme of much existing research. Future work by the authors (Part 2 of this work) will continue the analysis of the survey results and utilise SE processes to define end-user requirements for HBIM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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25 pages, 36221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D Representation of Rituals in HBIM: The Central Pillar and Fire Pit Space in the Tibetan-Yi Corridor

by Xiang Li, Lorenzo Teppati Losè and Fulvio Rinaudo

Heritage 2024, 7(12), 7273-7297; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7120336 - 19 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1042

Abstract

In architectural heritage research, rituals and human activities are often overlooked but are crucial for maintaining authenticity and reflecting various cultural values. In the Tibetan-Yi Corridor, one of China’s most renowned heritage routes, rituals and behaviours around the central pillar or fire pit reflect the shared culture and history of Di-Qiang ethnic groups, serving as critical indicators in studying their origins. A scientific method linking physical spaces with intangible cultural information is essential to preserve these rituals or activities and understand their interactions with architectural spaces. This study introduces a method utilising HBIM technology to document and analyse the 3D structures of Di-Qiang ethnic architecture and the rituals. It deconstructs rituals into bodily movements represented within the BIM space to simulate the behaviours of various roles. This method visualises ritual types and critical information by encoding different rituals and movements through geometric shapes, sizes, and colours, effectively linking architectural spaces with intangible cultural elements. The study’s two main contributions are (i) the HBIM archival method for Di-Qiang ethnic architecture, standardising geometric modelling and semantic information recording to digitise Di-Qiang architectural heritage, and forming a foundational 3D model library and semantic database; and (ii) the 3D representation method for ritual movements, which offers a way to manage intangible cultural information and spatially assess cultural behaviours, and evaluates the authenticity and quality of architectural heritage by analysing bodily rituals in space. This approach introduces a novel method for documenting and researching intangible heritage in cultural studies. Additionally, the digital technology-based research method offers a convenient platform for integrating and connecting digital heritage with digital humanities in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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15 pages, 9921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward to Combination of GIS-HBIM Models for Multiscale Representation and Management of Historic Center

by Massimiliano Pepe, Donato Palumbo, Ahmed Kamal Hamed Dewedar and Enrico Spacone

Heritage 2024, 7(12), 6966-6980; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7120322 - 10 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1272

Abstract

The aim of this work is to identify a suitable methodology capable of integrating multiscale spatial information about an historic center drawn from a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM). The method is based on a multiscale development system that can efficiently handle different types of geospatial information by exploring geomatic techniques and software for semantic and parametric modeling. Our case study of the historic center of Popoli (Italy) shows the quality of the proposed model and HGIS-BIM integration for building geometric models rich in semantic and parametric information, taking into account development at different levels of detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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20 pages, 17190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Open-Source Web Platform for 3D Documentation and Storytelling of Hidden Cultural Heritage

by Federica Gaspari, Federico Barbieri, Rebecca Fascia, Francesco Ioli and Livio Pinto

Heritage 2024, 7(2), 517-536; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7020025 - 23 Jan 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3002

Abstract

The rapid evolution of the urban landscape highlights the need to digitally document the state and historical transformations of heritage sites in densely urbanised areas through the combination of different geomatics survey approaches. Moreover, it is necessary to raise awareness of sites by developing strategies for their dissemination to a diverse audience through engaging, interactive, and accessible 3D web platforms. This work illustrates a methodology for the digital documentation and narration of a cultural heritage site through the implementation of a lightweight and replicable 3D navigation platform based on open-source technologies. Such a solution aims to be an easy-to-implement low-cost approach. The methodology is applied to the case study of the Farnese Castle in Piacenza (Italy), describing the data collection and documentation carried out with an in situ survey and illustrating how the resulting products were integrated into the web platform. The exploration functionalities of the platform and its potential for different types of audiences, from experts to users not familiar with 3D objects and geomatics products, were evaluated and documented on a ReadTheDocs website, allowing interested users to reproduce the project for other applications thanks to the template code available on GitHub. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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19 pages, 10829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Web-Based Platform for 3D Visualization of Multimodal Imaging Data in Cultural Heritage Asset Documentation

by Laurențiu Marian Angheluță, Alexandru Ioan Popovici and Lucian Cristian Ratoiu

Heritage 2023, 6(12), 7381-7399; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6120387 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2982

Abstract

Complex demands in the field of cultural heritage preservation often require a multidisciplinary approach and substantial volumes of multimodal data integration and management. The conventional approach to tackling these issues revolves around using different H-BIM (historical building information model) solutions. This paper presents a prototype for a web platform that moves closer to the idea of a digital twin for physical cultural assets. Based on a light development framework, it is designed for online open access and features a versatile custom 3D viewer for intuitive interaction with the presented data. The concept requires a workflow similar to the video-game industry’s 3D asset optimization to generate highly detailed 3D models and to facilitate the display of multilayered imaging data. The technological stack features a minimal MVC architecture framework and front-end stylesheets. It is designed to be independent of specific databases, enhancing portability for potential future open-source releases. Moreover, the platform employs WebGL libraries to create a dynamic 3D environment interaction. The capabilities of the web platform were tested in a case study regarding the documentation of an important 17th-century church in Romania. Further developments and current limitations of the platform are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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22 pages, 11038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heritage Building Information Modelling Implementation First Steps Applied in a Castle Building: Historic Evolution Identity, Data Collection and Stratigraphic Modelling

by Alcínia Zita Sampaio, João Tomé and Augusto M. Gomes

Heritage 2023, 6(10), 6472-6493; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6100338 - 22 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3003

Abstract

This research presents an application of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology to the preservation of buildings of historic value. The study of the built heritage encompasses several aspects: namely, the collection of information, the rigorous representation of the building, the identification of the applied traditional construction processes, and the classification of historic eras of construction, conservation or refurbishing. In a BIM context, the topic of old buildings is referred to as Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM). In order to illustrate the type of work that needs to be prepared, a building heritage case is presented. The study is focused on the identification of the historic evolution of a castle and the adjacent structural environment. The first step concerns the data collecting: several institutional repositories of old documents were consulted; technical visits to the site were performed; a large photographic survey was undertaken; and photogrammetry technology was applied. Based on the available information, the corresponding stratigraphic HBIM model of the historic complex was generated, which was associated with an accessible and well-organised database. This text aims to contribute positively to the dissemination of the HBIM in the preservation of historic buildings, and it is focused on a mandatory first step: generating a complete stratigraphic HBIM model. The model is intended to be a useful support to professionals to elaborate the preservation project, as it archives relevant data. The description of all processes from the data collection to the stratigraphic model brings an important understanding of the relevance of a primary stage performed with depth and care. This research contemplates, essentially, the topic of collecting data as essential to the performance of heritage studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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20 pages, 9152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D Data Integration for Web Fruition of Underground Archaeological Sites: A Web Navigation System for the Hypogeum of Crispia salvia (Marsala, Italy)

by Manuela Aricò, Marcello La Guardia and Mauro Lo Brutto

Heritage 2023, 6(8), 5899-5918; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6080310 - 15 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2073

Abstract

The diffuse data fruition of archaeological hypogeum sites still represents a challenge due to their limited accessibility and their preservation and maintenance issues. This implies that the fruition of these peculiar archaeological sites is often possible through digital reconstructions and interactive web navigation systems. The survey methodologies based on terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry allow making accurate and detailed digital reconstructions of these sites that are useful for virtual fruition purposes. In addition, many different systems can be used for remote web navigation and fruition. This work presents a possible solution for the virtual fruition of archaeological hypogea with a multiscale 3D web navigation system based on WebGL open-source technology. The system has been implemented for the Roman hypogeum of Crispia salvia, located in Marsala (southern Italy). The hypogeum belongs to the Archaeological Park of Lilibeo-Marsala and is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in this area for its extraordinary frescoes. Public accessibility of this site is limited because it is located outside the boundaries of the Archaeological Park, in the modern town, and covered by a residential building. In this case, the web navigation system adds an important contribution due to the limited real accessibility to the site. This work shows the framework for the construction of the web navigation system, where 3D surveys, digital reconstructions, 3D modeling, and web development are integrated. The choice of using an open-source technology for the web navigation system limits the costs of the process, and, at the same time, grants the web dissemination of site information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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13 pages, 7068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of 3D Model for Photogrammetric Purposes Using AI Tools Based on NeRF Algorithm

by Massimiliano Pepe, Vincenzo Saverio Alfio and Domenica Costantino

Heritage 2023, 6(8), 5719-5731; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6080301 - 5 Aug 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4019

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to analyse the performance of the Neural Radiance Field (NeRF) algorithm, implemented in Instant-NGP software, for photogrammetric purposes. To achieve this aim, several datasets with different characteristics were analysed, taking into account object size, image acquisition technique and geometric configuration of the images. The NeRF algorithm proved to be effective in the construction of the 3D models; in other words, in Instant-NGP it was possible to obtain realistic 3D models in a detailed manner and very quickly, even in rather weak geometric configurations of the images. The performance obtained in the latter environment was compared with that achieved by two software packages, one widely used in the photogrammetric field, Agisoft Metashape, and one open source, Colmap. The comparison showed encouraging results in building 3D models, especially under weak geometry conditions; although, the geometric description of objects under point clouds or meshes needs improvement for use in the photogrammetric field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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Review

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27 pages, 440 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Application of Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) to Cultural Heritage: A Review

by Lucy J. Lovell, Richard J. Davies and Dexter V. L. Hunt

Heritage 2023, 6(10), 6691-6717; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6100350 - 12 Oct 2023

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 9929

Abstract

Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is the application of BIM, a digital modelling and information management technique, to assets of historical significance, otherwise known as Cultural Heritage (CH). The adoption of BIM for CH is justified by government mandates and acknowledgement by leading heritage institutions that there is a need to utilise digital tools for heritage management. This paper establishes the current state of HBIM implementation within CH as well as research trends to date via a review of the existing literature. Geometric modelling was found to be the topic of very early research into HBIM, with particular focus given to improving the accuracy and efficiency of modelling. Thus, methods for improving modelling were evaluated. HBIM as an information management tool is discussed including the issues encountered, such as data storage and insufficient existing tools, as well as key information requirements proposed in the literature. An evaluation of key HBIM case studies found limited evidence of the created models being used in practice and an overall lack of consideration of the information needs. It was determined that the implementation of HBIM is limited by a lack of defined information requirements, and standardisation regarding the method of implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and 3D Web Exploration for the Management, Enjoyment and Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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