All countries around the world are blessed with particularly rich cultural heritage. Nowadays, many researchers are exploring different methods for documentation, management, and sustainability of cultural heritage. The aim of this article is to review the state-of-the-art documentation, management, and sustainability techniques in the field of cultural heritage based on the case study in the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów. Various 2D/3D image and range-based methods are discussed demonstrating their applications and drawbacks. The geographical information system (GIS) is presented as a method for management, storage, and maintenance of cultural heritage documentation.

This article presents a new approach to the estimation of shift and rotation between two images from different kinds of imaging sensors. The first of the image is an orthophotomap that is created using optical sensors with georeference information. The second one is created utilizing a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor.The proposed solution can be mounted on a flying platform, and, during the flight, the obtained SAR images are compared with the reference optical images, and thus it is possible to calculate the shift and rotation between these two images and then the direct georeferencing error. Since both images have georeference information, it is possible to calculate the navigation correction in cases when the drift of the calculated trajectory is expected. The method can be used in platforms where there is no satellite navigation signal and the trajectory is calculated on the basis of an inertial navigation system, which is characterized by a significant error. The proposed method of estimating the navigation error utilizing Affine Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (ASIFT) and Structure from Motion (SfM) is described, and techniques for improving the quality of SAR imaging using despeckling filters are presented. The methodology was tested and verified using real-life SAR images. Differences between the results obtained for a few selected despeckling methods were compared and commented on. Deep investigation of the nature of the SAR imaging technique and noise creation character allows new algorithms to be developed, which can be implemented on flying platforms to support existing navigation systems in which trajectory error occurs.

This paper discusses the issue of automation of orthoimage generation based on Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) data and digital images. The following two problems are discussed: automatic generation of projection planes based on TLS data, and automatic orientation of digital images in relation to TLS data. The majority of popular software applications use manual definitions of projection planes. However, the authors propose an original software tool to address the first issue, which defines important planes based on a TLS point cloud utilizing different algorithms (RANdom SAmple Consensus–RANSAC, Hough transform, “region growing”). To address the second task, the authors present a series of algorithms for automated digital image orientation in relation to a point cloud. This is important in cases where scans and images are acquired from different places and at different times. The algorithms utilize Scale Invariant Feature Transform(SIFT) operators in order to find points that correspond in reflectance intensity between coloure images (Red Green Blue—RGB) and orthoimages, based on TLS data. The paper also presents a verification method using SIFT and Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF) operators. The research results in an original tool and applied Computer Vision(CV) algorithms that improve the process of orthoimage generation.

Cultural heritage objects are affected by a wide range of factors causing their deterioration and decay over time such as ground deformations, changes in hydrographic conditions, vibrations or excess of moisture, which can cause scratches and cracks formation in the case of historic buildings. The electromagnetic spectroscopy has been widely used for non-destructive structural health monitoring of concrete structures. However, the limitation of this technology is a lack of geolocalisation in the space for multispectral architectural documentation. The aim of this study is to examine different geolocalisation methods in order to determine the position of the sensor system, which will then allow to georeference the results of measurements performed by this device and apply corrections to the sensor response, which is a crucial element required for further data processing related to the object structure and its features. The classical surveying, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry methods were used in this investigation at three test sites. The methods were reviewed and investigated. The results indicated that TLS technique should be applied for simple structures and plain textures, while the SfM technique should be used for marble-based and other translucent or semi-translucent structures in order to achieve the highest accuracy for geolocalisation of the proposed sensor system.

Cultural heritage is the evidence of the past. Nowadays monumental objects create the important part of the cultural heritage, so it is essential to document this type of objects and perform structural health monitoring analysis for preservation. Currently, the digital architectural documentation is recorded as vector drawings, digital object models, 3D models or orthoimages, which are the obligatory form of the inventory of historical objects [1]. In order to generate this type of high resolution and high quality documentation, different sensors as well as appropriate methods are used. The aim of this paper is to present both the conception of the novel surveying device (based on RGB camera, Terrestrial Laser Scanning – TLS with electromagnetic sensor) and methodology of data processing. This paper will review existing state of the art sensors and discuss their advantages and disadvantages as well as the further improvement of such sensors. Additionally, the conception of the new architectural documentation will be described.