| Abstract | The use of 3D digitization and modeling in documenting heritage sites has increased significantly over the past few years. This is mainly due to advances in laser scanning techniques, 3D modeling software, image-based-modeling techniques, computer power, and virtual reality. There are many approaches currently available. The most common remains based on surveying and CAD tools and/or traditional photogrammetry with control points and a human operator. This is very time consuming and can be tedious and sustained effort. Lately, modeling methods based on scanners data and more automated image-based technique are becoming available. We will discuss each approach and point out its advantages and disadvantages. We will then present our approach, which is a combination of several technologies. The approach presented in this paper uses both interactive and automatic techniques, each where it is best suited, to accurately and completely model heritage objects and sites. A highly detailed structure or site can be modeled at various levels of detail. Image-based modeling may be used for the basic shape and main structural elements, and laser scanning for fine details and sculpted surfaces. The results of applying this approach were very encouraging and several models were created from sites all over the world. Modeling of the Abbey of Pomposa near Ferrara, Italy, will be presented as an example. |
|---|
