Abstract

In this paper, a series of topics, concerning acquisition, communication, and the analysis of buildings will be discussed. In particular, a strategy aimed at exploiting the visual potentials of reality-based models, will be described inside render engines, real-time applications, as well as their role for the production of conventional drawing for documenting and studying built heritage. This methodology is inspired by pipelines coming from computer-generated imagery (CGI) and the video game industry: areas of research that are progressively showing an increasing interest towards the world of photogrammetry remote sensing, in particular for the new possibilities offered by Structure from Motion (SfM)/Multi View Stereo (MVS) in terms of automatic texturing of complex shapes. Quad-dominant remeshing, displaced subdivision surfaces, and accurate interactive/ automatic parametrization are the main points of this workflow, whose final goal is the achievement of multipurpose models, which are capable to comply with graphic codes of traditional survey, as well as semantic enrichment, and, last but not least, data compression/portability and texture reliability under different lighting conditions.

Abstract

Current massive data capture techniques (MDCT), such as terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry, have become widespread during the last decade, and raises the possibility of developing new assessment methodologies based on the 3D documentation. The paper exposes de results of using simple, non-invasive procedures for the assessment of the shape of a masonry building from a point clouds registered with a terrestrial laser scanner. The case study selected is the church of Sant Miquel of Batea (eighteenth century), located in the province of Tarragona (Spain). The methodology used combines 2D and 3D processes for assessment of the geometry. The results of the investigation have confirmed the good condition of the building. It presents dimensional variations, most of which can be related to the construction process, while some displacements identified provide information about the accommodation process of the masonry structure.