Topic Editors

Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
Department of Architecture and Design (DAD), Politecnico di Torino, Viale Mattioli 39, 10126 Torino, Italy
ETH Zürich, Management Forstlicher Ressourcen, CHN K 75, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland

3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage

Abstract submission deadline
30 June 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 August 2026
Viewed by
26002

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The definition of tangible cultural heritage is wide and includes, but is not limited to, landscapes, built heritage, cities, territories, archaeological sites, minor historical centres, urban environments, cities, suburbs, villages, and hamlets (Article 1 of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention). It is widely accepted that the accurate spatial documentation (from 3D integrated metric surveys or from harmonised geospatial datasets) of these assets is crucial for preservation, restoration, historical analysis, revitalisation, and various other applications. Moreover, such 3D documentation could help, with its high accuracy, highly detailed datasets, or multiscale geodatabases, in planning processing involving different stakeholders, citizens, and local communities.

The proposed Topic will deal with advanced spatial documentation techniques, both 2D and 3D, leveraging contemporary geomatics technologies, GeoAI, 3D city models, and Digital Twins. Several specific documentation techniques can be used to achieve accurate and complete documentation of CH including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) for high-resolution aerial data acquisition using different sensors (e.g., RGB, thermal, multispectral data) and techniques (e.g., aerial imagery and photogrammetry with the aim to create detailed 2D products and 3D models);
  • Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and MMS (Mobile Mapping System) generating 3D point clouds with different degrees of accuracy and levels of detail;
  • Creation and publication of geodatabase from cartographic dataset of national geoportals (standards compliant with geographic information standards);
  • GeoAI approaches that use artificial intelligence to analyse, classify, and interpret geospatial data for cultural heritage applications;
  •  Novel technology for the metric documentation of CH.

For the application of these geomatics techniques to CH documentation, the following specific aims are considered in this Topic:

  • Provide precise and detailed 2D and 3D metric documentation (by means of geomatics techniques acquisitions and approaches) of cultural heritage assets;
  • Enable various analyses through the application of modern geomatics techniques and GeoAI;
  • Facilitate the creation and use of Digital Twins for cultural heritage sites;
  • Support diverse applications, including risk assessment, restoration planning, and heritage management;
  • Use the documentation to deal with possible scenarios like risk management, urban planning, sustainable plans, regulatory plans, restoration actions, etc.

We are targeting contributions that achieve the following:

  • Present case studies demonstrating the successful application of 2D and 3D metric documentation techniques in cultural heritage;
  • Explore innovative methods and technologies for spatial documentation;
  • Discuss the integration of documentation data into various analytical and application frameworks;
  • Analyse the impact of advanced spatial documentation on risk assessment, restoration planning, and heritage management.

This Topic highlights the importance of advanced spatial documentation in cultural heritage, with the aim of supporting independent researchers, professionals, and national public and private entities in its management, conservation, study, and promotion. By integrating cutting-edge geomatics techniques, GeoAI, and Digital Twins, this research will provide new insights and methodologies for comprehensive documentation, facilitating the various applications crucial for preserving and managing cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the proposed Topic seeks to advance the understanding and application of the available documentation approaches for Cultural Heritage. By fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration, this Topic also aims to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites, ensuring their protection and appreciation for future generations.

Dr. Lorenzo Teppati Losè
Dr. Elisabetta Colucci
Dr. Arnadi Dhestaratri Murtiyoso
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • heritage management strategies
  • metric documentation techniques
  • digital twins
  • 3d city models
  • geoai applications
  • geomatics technologies
  • cultural heritage preservation
  • advanced spatial documentation

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Sciences
applsci
2.5 5.5 2011 19.8 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Drones
drones
4.8 7.4 2017 20.1 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Geomatics
geomatics
2.8 5.1 2021 20 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Heritage
heritage
1.9 3.7 2018 18.6 Days CHF 1600 Submit
ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information
ijgi
2.8 7.2 2012 34.2 Days CHF 1900 Submit
Remote Sensing
remotesensing
4.1 8.6 2009 24.9 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Sensors
sensors
3.5 8.2 2001 19.7 Days CHF 2600 Submit

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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37 pages, 46493 KB  
Article
Documenting Change on the SS Thistlegorm, Red Sea, Egypt: Using Underwater Photogrammetry to Record Natural Deterioration and Human Impacts on a World War II Shipwreck
by Simon Brown and Jon C. Henderson
Heritage 2025, 8(12), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8120504 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1374
Abstract
The SS Thistlegorm, a British World War II cargo vessel sunk in 1941 in the Red Sea, is one of the world’s most visited wreck dives, attracting thousands of divers annually. This popularity has accelerated structural deterioration and artefact loss through unsustainable [...] Read more.
The SS Thistlegorm, a British World War II cargo vessel sunk in 1941 in the Red Sea, is one of the world’s most visited wreck dives, attracting thousands of divers annually. This popularity has accelerated structural deterioration and artefact loss through unsustainable mooring practices, looting, and unintentional diver impacts. The Thistlegorm Project—a collaboration between Alexandria University and the University of Edinburgh—conducted high-resolution underwater photogrammetric surveys in 2017 and 2022 to create the first comprehensive baseline for monitoring change. Comparative analysis revealed both subtle and significant alterations to the wreck and its debris field, including displacement of heavy structures, artefact removal, and expanded mapping of the debris field to 21.9 ha. The study demonstrates how repeat photogrammetry enables precise documentation of deterioration, informs conservation strategies, and supports heritage management in high-traffic dive sites. The Thistlegorm serves as a model for integrating digital recording, site monitoring, and collaborative stewardship of underwater cultural heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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19 pages, 2839 KB  
Article
Track by Track: Revealing Sauropod Turning and Lateralised Gait at the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Tracksite (Upper Jurassic, Bluff Sandstone, Colorado)
by Anthony Romilio, Paul C. Murphey, Neffra A. Matthews, Bruce A. Schumacher, Lance D. Murphey, Marcello Toscanini, Parker Boyce and Zach Fitzner
Geomatics 2025, 5(4), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics5040067 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 2030
Abstract
Drone photogrammetry and per-step spatial analysis were used to re-evaluate the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Tracksite (Bluff Sandstone, Colorado), which preserves an exceptionally long sauropod pes trackway. Building on earlier segment-based descriptions, we reconstructed the entire succession at millimetre-level resolution and quantified turning [...] Read more.
Drone photogrammetry and per-step spatial analysis were used to re-evaluate the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Tracksite (Bluff Sandstone, Colorado), which preserves an exceptionally long sauropod pes trackway. Building on earlier segment-based descriptions, we reconstructed the entire succession at millimetre-level resolution and quantified turning and gait asymmetry within an integrated digital workflow (UAV photogrammetry, Blender-based landmarking, scripted analysis). Of 134 footprints previously reported, 131 were confidently identified along a mapped path of 95.489 m that records 340° cumulative anticlockwise reorientation. Traditional end-point tortuosity (direct distance/trackway length; DL/TL) yields a moderate ratio of 0.462, whereas our incremental analysis isolates a fully looped subsection (tracks 38–83) with tortuosity of 0.0001 (DL 0.005 m; TL 34.825 m), revealing extreme local curvature that global (end-to-end) measures dilute. Gauge varies substantially along the trackway: the traditional metric (single pes width) averages 32.2% (wide gauge) with numerous medium-gauge representatives, while footprint-specific (‘incremental’) gauge spans 23.1–71.0% (narrow/medium/wide gauges observed within the same trackway). Our tests for asymmetry quantified that left-to-right paces and steps are longer (p = 0.001 and 0.008, respectively), central trackway width is greater (p = 0.043), and pace angulation is lower (p = 0.040) than right-to-left. Behaviourally, these signals are consistent with right-side load-avoidance but remain speculative (alternative explanations may include habitual laterality, local substrate heterogeneity). The study demonstrates how UAV-enabled, fully digital, sequential analyses can recover intra-trackway variability and enhance behavioural understanding of extinct trackmakers from fossil trackways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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23 pages, 3810 KB  
Article
Investigating Factors Affecting Request Matching in Demand-Responsive Transit Service with Different Fleet Sizes Using a Decision Tree Model
by Sanjay Tandan, Alain Morris Anthony and Hyun Kim
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12134; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212134 - 15 Nov 2025
Viewed by 484
Abstract
Demand-responsive transit (DRT) is a flexible transportation service that adapts routes and schedules based on real-time passenger needs, offering greater convenience than traditional fixed-route systems. DRT systems are highly dynamic and complex. Customer requests are often rejected due to operational constraints. Therefore, it [...] Read more.
Demand-responsive transit (DRT) is a flexible transportation service that adapts routes and schedules based on real-time passenger needs, offering greater convenience than traditional fixed-route systems. DRT systems are highly dynamic and complex. Customer requests are often rejected due to operational constraints. Therefore, it is essential to identify and rank the factors that determine request acceptance or rejection. This study develops a Decision Tree Model (DTM) for vehicle dispatching in DRT, using the Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT) Chungju Campus as the study area. Elecle bicycle origin–destination (OD) data were first used to simulate DRT operations, and the resulting outputs were employed to train the DTM to classify passenger requests as “assign” or “reject.” The model considers key factors such as vehicle capacity, access time, Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), waiting time, detour factor, and egress time. Based on 5-fold cross-validation, the detour factor was identified as the most influential variable across all fleet configurations, with mean importance values of 0.582 ± 0.055, 0.550 ± 0.047, and 0.447 ± 0.073 for the 1-, 2-, and 3-vehicle scenarios, respectively. The model achieved accuracies of 0.73 ± 0.02, 0.82 ± 0.04, and 0.83 ± 0.07, indicating improved performance with increasing fleet size. Error analysis revealed conservative behavior for one vehicle, balanced performance for two, and liberal over-assignment for three vehicles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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29 pages, 9255 KB  
Article
Exploratory Learning of Amis Indigenous Culture and Local Environments Using Virtual Reality and Drone Technology
by Yu-Jung Wu, Tsu-Jen Ding, Jen-Chu Hsu, Kuo-Liang Ou and Wernhuar Tarng
ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2025, 14(11), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi14110441 - 8 Nov 2025
Viewed by 597
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) creates immersive environments that allow users to interact with digital content, fostering a sense of presence and engagement comparable to real-world experiences. VR360 technology, combined with affordable head-mounted displays such as Google Cardboard, enhances accessibility and provides an intuitive learning [...] Read more.
Virtual reality (VR) creates immersive environments that allow users to interact with digital content, fostering a sense of presence and engagement comparable to real-world experiences. VR360 technology, combined with affordable head-mounted displays such as Google Cardboard, enhances accessibility and provides an intuitive learning experience. Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are operated through remote control systems and have diverse applications in civilian, commercial, and scientific domains. Taiwan’s Indigenous cultures emphasize environmental conservation, and integrating this knowledge into education supports both biodiversity and cultural preservation. The Amis people, who primarily reside along Taiwan’s eastern coast and central mountain regions, face educational challenges due to geographic isolation and socioeconomic disadvantage. This study integrates VR360 and drone technologies to develop a VR learning system for elementary science education that incorporates Amis culture and local environments. A teaching experiment was conducted to evaluate its impact on learning effectiveness and student responses. Results show that students using the VR system outperformed the control group in cultural and scientific knowledge, experienced reduced cognitive load, and reported greater learning motivation. These findings highlight the potential of VR and drone technologies to improve learning outcomes, promote environmental and cultural awareness, and reduce educational barriers for Indigenous students in remote or socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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20 pages, 4430 KB  
Article
Sustainable Strategies for Digital Communication of Cliff Inscriptions Based on the Experience Economy and AHP: A Case Study of the Shimen Thirteen Inscriptions
by Hua Wei, Xinyu Jing, Dingbang Luh and Haixia Yan
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11510; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111510 - 28 Oct 2025
Viewed by 370
Abstract
The inherent spatial inaccessibility of cliff inscriptions and the dilemma between preservation and public access have made digital dissemination essential for their legacy. Using the digital design of the “Shimen Thirteen Inscriptions” in Hanzhong as a case study, this research integrates the four-dimensional [...] Read more.
The inherent spatial inaccessibility of cliff inscriptions and the dilemma between preservation and public access have made digital dissemination essential for their legacy. Using the digital design of the “Shimen Thirteen Inscriptions” in Hanzhong as a case study, this research integrates the four-dimensional experience economy model with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to construct a mixed evaluation framework combining expert rational weighting and user perceptual scoring. Weightings were determined by seven experts, and user experience data was collected from 198 questionnaires. The priority for platform optimization was then identified via a “weight × gap” matrix. The results show the following: (1) In digital settings, the experience structure is significantly reordered, with interactivity (44.4%) and immersion (29.8%) taking the lead. (2) Overall platform satisfaction was good (4.05 out of 5.00), but diversity of operations and depth of knowledge emerged as the main shortcomings. (3) A staged optimization scheme of “progressive interaction + hierarchical knowledge delivery” is proposed, which can enhance sustainable dissemination effectiveness without increasing technological barriers. This study proposes a sustainability-oriented strategy prototype for the digital communication of cliff inscriptions, develops second-level constructs for design and measurement support, and employs AHP-based expert weighting to prioritize strategy elements and derive design pathways. The platform functions as a research prototype for academic inquiry and methodological demonstration, without involvement in operational KPI loops or full system deployment. The contribution lies in offering a replicable user experience evaluation grid and a closed-loop optimization process, rather than advancing 3D/AR/VR techniques per se. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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24 pages, 4032 KB  
Article
From Archives to 3D Models: Managing Uncertainty with Paradata in Virtual Heritage
by Andras Horkai
Heritage 2025, 8(10), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8100441 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 900
Abstract
This article examines the methodological challenges inherent in the digital 3D reconstructions of historical buildings using archival documentation. Unlike photogrammetry or laser scanning, archival-based modeling is crucial for buildings that never existed, no longer exist, or have undergone extensive modifications. Present research insights [...] Read more.
This article examines the methodological challenges inherent in the digital 3D reconstructions of historical buildings using archival documentation. Unlike photogrammetry or laser scanning, archival-based modeling is crucial for buildings that never existed, no longer exist, or have undergone extensive modifications. Present research insights from a pilot educational project where 65 university students reconstructed 70 heritage buildings from Budapest (Hungary) in Archicad based solely on archival sources. In total, 75% of the buildings lacked at least one façade drawing, while nearly 20% showed contradictions between different plans (e.g., floor plan and section). Common challenges were identified, including missing drawings, contradictory plans, stylistic uncertainty, and software constraints, and their patterns were analyzed. To enhance modeling transparency, structured methods for recording paradata were proposed. Findings contribute to methodological rigor in virtual heritage reconstruction and support the reuse of archival models in architectural practice, research, and conservation. This study is among the first to propose a structured paradata framework tailored explicitly to archival-based 3D reconstructions, bridging methodological gaps between educational practice and professional heritage research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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25 pages, 8613 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Underground Space Resources in Ancient Cities from the Perspective of Organic Renewal: A Case Study of Shaoxing Ancient City
by Qiuxiao Chen, Yiduo Qi, Guanjie Xu, Xiuxiu Chen, Xiaoyi Zhang and Hongbo Li
ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2025, 14(10), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi14100384 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 645
Abstract
China has entered a period of urban renewal, with the focus shifting from large-scale incremental construction to both upgrading existing building quality and adjusting incremental structures. There are three main types of urban renewal: demolition and reconstruction, comprehensive improvement, and organic renewal. The [...] Read more.
China has entered a period of urban renewal, with the focus shifting from large-scale incremental construction to both upgrading existing building quality and adjusting incremental structures. There are three main types of urban renewal: demolition and reconstruction, comprehensive improvement, and organic renewal. The latter systematically optimizes and enhances urban functions, spaces, and culture through gradual renovation methods and is, therefore, suitable for use in ancient cities. To promote organic renewal, the problem of limited space resources must first be addressed, which can be resolved to a certain extent by the moderate development of underground spaces; preliminary evaluations of the development potential are also required. In consideration of the demands of organic renewal, we constructed a novel indicator system for evaluating underground space development potential (USDP) in ancient cities that assesses two dimensions: development demand and development suitability. A multi-factor comprehensive evaluation method was adopted to quantify the indicators of USDP, taking Shaoxing Ancient City (SAC) as the case study. According to the USDP evaluation, SAC can be divided into four kinds of areas: high-potential, general-potential, low-potential, and prohibited development areas. High-potential areas accounted for 16.38% of the total evaluation area and were primarily concentrated in or near key locations: train transit stations (Shaoxing Railway Station), public service facilities, evacuated land, and cultural and tourism facilities around historic districts (Shusheng Guli Historical and Cultural Street). The proposed development strategies for these areas included the interconnection of metro stations, redevelopment of relocation-related and vacated land, construction of underground cultural corridors, and supplementation of parking facilities. For developed underground spaces with low utilization efficiency, functional renewal and management improvement measures were put forward. Our method of evaluating the USDP of ancient cities and the strategies proposed to optimize the utilization of underground space can provide reference examples for SAC and other similar ancient cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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32 pages, 13690 KB  
Article
Surveying a Sacred Landscape: First Steps to a Holistic Documentation of Buddhist Architecture in Dolpo
by Carmen Elisabeth Auer
Heritage 2025, 8(9), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8090385 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 2304
Abstract
Dolpo is a culturally Tibetan region in the inaccessible parts of the Himalayas, where Buddhist and Bon traditions coexist to this day. Due to their religious significance, the temples and monasteries of Dolpo reflect the historical connection to the religious centres of the [...] Read more.
Dolpo is a culturally Tibetan region in the inaccessible parts of the Himalayas, where Buddhist and Bon traditions coexist to this day. Due to their religious significance, the temples and monasteries of Dolpo reflect the historical connection to the religious centres of the Tibetan area. Accordingly, a holistic documentation of the preserved buildings can provide new insights for the development of typologies of Buddhist architecture in the Western Himalayas. To shed light on the mainly undocumented Buddhist architecture of this region, we launched our first research project in 2018. As a result, the architectural documentation of eighteen Buddhist sites in Dolpo is now available for the first time, based on the on-site assessment and survey during four field missions between 2018 and 2023. It provides an overview of the location, descriptions and references, photographs, sets of plans and 3D models of the surveyed buildings, enabling an inventory of the region’s cultural heritage to be initiated. The results enable us to establish a comprehensive typology of Buddhist architecture in Dolpo that allows for comparative analyses with buildings already documented in previous projects. Last but not least, the documentation provides the basis for much-needed restoration work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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23 pages, 338 KB  
Article
Digital Archaeology Underwater: Ethical, Epistemic, and Climate Challenges for a Collaborative Future
by Caio Demilio and Filipe Castro
Heritage 2025, 8(9), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8090383 - 16 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1806
Abstract
This article explores the converging challenges and opportunities at the intersection of underwater cultural heritage, digital archaeology, and participatory science. In an era of accelerated climate change, data fragmentation, and rapid technological advancement, underwater archaeology is being reshaped by the rise of generative [...] Read more.
This article explores the converging challenges and opportunities at the intersection of underwater cultural heritage, digital archaeology, and participatory science. In an era of accelerated climate change, data fragmentation, and rapid technological advancement, underwater archaeology is being reshaped by the rise of generative artificial intelligence (GAI), FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data governance, and the growing role of public archaeology. We argue for an ethical and epistemologically inclusive framework that recognizes the importance of co-authorship, data transparency, and multisensory narratives in interpreting submerged sites. Drawing on case studies from Latin America and Europe, this article demonstrates how socio-technical networks, collaborative models, and culturally sensitive ontologies offer a pathway toward a decolonized, accessible, and sustainable archaeology. This paper concludes with recommendations for integrated public policy and citizen-driven heritage protection, highlighting digital archaeology’s transformative potential in the Anthropocene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
21 pages, 6784 KB  
Article
Digitizing Challenging Heritage Sites with the Use of iPhone LiDAR and Photogrammetry: The Case-Study of Sourp Magar Monastery in Cyprus
by Mehmetcan Soyluoğlu, Rahaf Orabi, Sorin Hermon and Nikolas Bakirtzis
Geomatics 2025, 5(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics5030044 - 9 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1692
Abstract
Documenting and preserving cultural heritage assets is increasingly important, with threats from natural disasters, conflicts, climate change, and neglect, and some sites are both contested and physically difficult to access or document, posing the issue of “challenging heritage”. A range of innovative digital [...] Read more.
Documenting and preserving cultural heritage assets is increasingly important, with threats from natural disasters, conflicts, climate change, and neglect, and some sites are both contested and physically difficult to access or document, posing the issue of “challenging heritage”. A range of innovative digital methods have emerged, offering practical, low-cost, efficient techniques for the 3D documentation of threatened heritage, including smart phone-based mobile light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and photogrammetry. Such techniques offer quick, accessible, and cost-effective alternatives to terrestrial laser scanners, albeit with reduced accuracy and detail, offering practical solutions in cases with restricted funding, limited time for access, complex architectural geometries, or the unavailability of high-end equipment on site. This paper presents a real-world case study integrating iPhone LiDAR with aerial photogrammetry for the rapid documentation of Sourp Magar Monastery, a Medieval site located in a forested slopes of the Kyrenia Range, Cyprus. Due to its poor state of preservation and years of abandonment, as well as its remote nature and location, the monastery is considered a “challenging heritage” monument. In the context of a recent international restoration initiative, a preliminary digital survey was undertaken to both document the current condition of Sourp Magar and contribute to a better understanding of its construction history. This paper outlines the workflow integrating the use of smartphone LiDAR and aerial photogrammetry, evaluates its efficacy in challenging heritage sites, and discusses its potential implications for rapid, low-cost documentation. Finally, the present paper aims to show the multifaceted benefit of easy-to-use, low-cost technologies in the preliminary study of sites and monuments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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20 pages, 16247 KB  
Article
Effects of Rain and Sediment-Laden Winds on Earthen Archaeological Sites from Morphometry: A Case Study from Huaca Chotuna (8th–16th Century AD), Lambayeque, Peru
by Luigi Magnini, Maria Ilaria Pannaccione Apa, Robert F. Gutierrez Cachay, Marco Fernández Manayalle, Carlos E. Wester La Torre and Guido Ventura
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(17), 3103; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17173103 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1291
Abstract
Earthen archaeological sites are particularly vulnerable to rain and winds, whose effects may compromise their integrity. The Huaca Chotuna (HC; 8th–16th Century AD) is an adobe platform in Peru’s semi-arid Lambayeque region, and it is in an area with exposure to rain and [...] Read more.
Earthen archaeological sites are particularly vulnerable to rain and winds, whose effects may compromise their integrity. The Huaca Chotuna (HC; 8th–16th Century AD) is an adobe platform in Peru’s semi-arid Lambayeque region, and it is in an area with exposure to rain and winds associated with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Here we present the results from an orthophotogrammetric and morphometric study aimed at quantifying the effects of erosion and deposition at the HC. The novelty of our approach consists of merging topographic, hydrological, and wind parameters to recognize the sector of the HC with exposure to potentially damaging natural climatic phenomena. We identify zones affected by erosion and deposition processes. Results of a diffusion model aimed to estimate the HC sectors where these processes will act in the next century are also presented. Gully erosion from rainfall indicates a vertical erosion rate of approximately 0.2 m/century, demonstrating the low preservation potential of the HC. Rainwater also deteriorates adobe bricks and triggers water/mud flows. Conversely, sediment-laden winds contribute to the partial burial of the HC. The findings highlight significant hazards to the HC’s structural integrity, including gravity instability. The interdisciplinary methodology we adopt offers a key framework for assessing and protecting other earthen sites globally against the escalating impacts of climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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22 pages, 5266 KB  
Article
Preserving Modern Heritage in the Emirate of Dubai: A Digital Documentation and Semantic HBIM Approach
by Abeer Abu Raed, Wido Quist and Uta Pottgiesser
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070263 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 2245
Abstract
The rapid urbanization and technological advancements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have placed its modern architectural heritage from the 1970s and 1980s at increasing risk of being unrecognized and lost, particularly in Dubai following the discovery of oil. This research addresses the [...] Read more.
The rapid urbanization and technological advancements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have placed its modern architectural heritage from the 1970s and 1980s at increasing risk of being unrecognized and lost, particularly in Dubai following the discovery of oil. This research addresses the critical need for the documentation and heritage representation of Dubai’s modern heritage, a city undergoing rapid transformation within a globalized urban landscape. Focusing on the Nasser Rashid Lootah Building (Toyota Building), an iconic early 1970s residential high-rise representing the modern architecture of Dubai and a significant milestone in its architectural history, this study explores a replicable and cost-effective approach to digitally document and conserve urban heritage under threat. The existing building was meticulously documented and analyzed to highlight its enduring value within the fast-changing urban fabric. Through the innovative combination of drone photography, ground-based photography, and HBIM, a high-resolution 3D model and a semantically organized HBIM prototype were generated. This research demonstrates a replicable measure for identifying architectural values, understanding modernist design typologies, and raising local community awareness about Dubai’s modern heritage. Ultimately, this study contributes toward developing recognition criteria and guiding efforts in documenting modern high-rise buildings as vital heritage worthy of recognition, documentation, and future conservation in the UAE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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42 pages, 2165 KB  
Review
A Systematic Literature Review to Assist in Defining New Guidelines and Practical Handbooks for the Documentation of Built Heritage
by Lorenzo Teppati Losè and Fulvio Rinaudo
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070249 - 25 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2970
Abstract
The documentation of cultural heritage, particularly built heritage, represents a critical component in ensuring its preservation, sustainable management, and effective transmission to future generations. As the field increasingly undergoes a digital transformation, there is a growing need for structured, standardised approaches that can [...] Read more.
The documentation of cultural heritage, particularly built heritage, represents a critical component in ensuring its preservation, sustainable management, and effective transmission to future generations. As the field increasingly undergoes a digital transformation, there is a growing need for structured, standardised approaches that can guide professionals and stakeholders through the complexities of documentation practices. Despite the availability of numerous standards and charters, a clear synthesis of consolidated methodologies and recent technological shifts remains limited. This study addresses this gap by conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to assess current documentation practices. The research is part of a larger initiative funded by the FSE REACT-EU programme under the Italian PON Ricerca e Innovazione 2014–2020, specifically aiming to support public and private stakeholders in developing practical documentation strategies. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, over 266 publications were analysed to reconstruct the state of the art. The findings confirm widely adopted practices among research groups while also highlighting emerging trends driven by technological advancements in geomatics. These insights will contribute to the formulation of practical guidelines to support operators in the field and reinforce the integration of innovative tools in Cultural Heritage documentation workflows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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14 pages, 5528 KB  
Article
From Google Earth Studio to Hologram: A Pipeline for Architectural Visualization
by Philippe Gentet, Tam Le Phuc Do, Jumamurod Farhod Ugli Aralov, Oybek Mirzaevich Narzulloev, Leehwan Hwang and Seunghyun Lee
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 6179; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15116179 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 1606
Abstract
High-resolution holographic visualization of built environments remains largely inaccessible due to the complexity and technical demands of traditional 3D data acquisition processes. This study proposes a workflow for producing high-quality full-color digital holographic stereograms of architectural landmarks using Google Earth Studio. By leveraging [...] Read more.
High-resolution holographic visualization of built environments remains largely inaccessible due to the complexity and technical demands of traditional 3D data acquisition processes. This study proposes a workflow for producing high-quality full-color digital holographic stereograms of architectural landmarks using Google Earth Studio. By leveraging photogrammetrically reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) city models and a controlled camera path, we generated perspective image sequences of two iconic monuments, that is, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família (Barcelona, Spain) and the Arc de Triomphe (Paris, France). A custom pipeline was implemented to compute keyframe coordinates, extract cinematic image sequences, and convert them into histogram data suitable for CHIMERA holographic printing. The holograms were recorded on Ultimate U04 silver halide plates and illuminated with RGB light-emitting diodes, yielding visually immersive reconstructions with strong parallax effects and color fidelity. This method circumvented the requirement for physical 3D scanning, thereby enabling scalable and cost-effective holography using publicly available 3D datasets. In conclusion, the findings indicate the potential of combining Earth Studio with digital holography for urban visualization, cultural heritage preservation, and educational displays. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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Article
Archival Research, Underwater Optical Surveys, and 3D Modelling: Three Stages for Shaping the Wreck of the Steamship Bengala (Isola di Capo Rizzuto, Crotone, Italy)
by Salvatore Medaglia, Fabio Bruno, Ana Castelli, Matteo Collina, Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, Luca De Rosa, Julieta Frere, Fabrizio Fuoco, Guillermo Gutiérrez, Antonio Lagudi, Francesco Megna and Raffaele Peluso
Heritage 2025, 8(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8010013 - 29 Dec 2024
Viewed by 2609
Abstract
Bengala, a steamer that sank in 1889 near Capo Rizzuto, Italy, was a relatively new vessel for its time, with an unusually short 18-year service life, given that steamers of the period typically operated for 30 to 40 years. Despite its brief [...] Read more.
Bengala, a steamer that sank in 1889 near Capo Rizzuto, Italy, was a relatively new vessel for its time, with an unusually short 18-year service life, given that steamers of the period typically operated for 30 to 40 years. Despite its brief history, SS Bengala played a significant role in the development of Italy’s young merchant navy, undergoing multiple ownership changes and serving various Italian shipping companies. Employed mainly along the route to Southeast Asia, it transported Italian migrants overseas and also participated in troop raids during the Italian military expedition to Eritrea in 1887. Despite its historical significance, no iconographic material has yet been found to depict SS Bengala, and archival research conducted in Italy and England has not uncovered any naval plans, photographs, or drawings of the ship. To overcome this gap, the authors employed new technologies and historical information to create a virtual reconstruction. This research combined archival sources with underwater surveys, including a detailed 3D survey by divers and archaeologists. Archival research, including consultation of official documents, provided critical information on the ship’s dimensions, superstructure, rigging, materials, and construction methods. The 3D modelling of the ship’s external hull, based on precise geometric data from the wreck site, offers a first step towards virtual reconstruction. The modelling is grounded in photogrammetric surveying techniques, ensuring high accuracy in the reconstruction process. The model can be used in augmented reality (AR) applications to enhance underwater exploration, allowing divers to visualise the reconstructed ship in its original environment. Additionally, it supports museum exhibits, interactive visualisations, and educational games, making it a valuable resource for engaging the public with maritime history and archaeology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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