Heritage buildings usually have complex (non-parametric) geometries that turn their digitization through conventional methods in inaccurate and time-consuming processes. When it comes to the survey and representation of historical assets, remote sensing technologies have been playing key roles in the last few years: 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry surveys save time in the field, while proving to be extremely accurate at registering non-regular geometries of buildings. However, the efficient transformation of remote-sensing data into as-built parametric smart models is currently an unsolved challenge. A pragmatic and organized Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) methodology is essential in order to obtain a consistent model that can bring benefits and integrate conservation and restoration work. This article addresses the creation of an HBIM model of heritage assets using 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. Our findings are illustrated in one case study: The Engine House Paços Reais in Lisbon. The paper first describes how and what measures should be taken to plan a careful scan-to-HBIM process. Second, the description of the remote-sensing survey campaign is conducted accordingly and is aimed at a BIM output, including the process of data alignment, cleaning, and merging. Finally, the HBIM modeling phase is described, based on point cloud data.

Purpose: – Building information modeling (BIM) is most often used for the construction of new buildings. By using BIM in such projects, collaboration among stakeholders in an architecture, engineering and construction project is improved. To even further improve collaboration, there is a move toward the production and usage of BIM standards in various countries. These are typically national documents, including guides, protocols, and mandatory regulations, that introduce guidelines about what information should be exchanged at what time between which partners and in what formats. If a nation or a construction team agrees on these guidelines, improved collaboration can come about on top of the collaboration benefits induced by the mere usage of BIM. This scenario might also be targeted for interventions in existing buildings. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: – In this paper, the authors investigate the general content and usage of existing BIM standards for new constructions, describing specifications about BIM deliverable documents, modeling, and collaboration procedures. The authors suggest to what extent the content in the BIM standards can also be used for interventions in existing buildings. These suggestions rely heavily on literature study, supported by on-site use case experiences. Findings: – From this research, the authors can conclude that the existing standards give a solid basis for BIM collaboration in existing building interventions, but that they need to be extended in order to be of better use in any intervention project in an existing building. This extension should happen at: data modeling level: other kinds of data formats need to be considered, coming from terrestrial laser scanning and automatic digital photogrammetry tools; at data exchange level: exchange requirements should take explicit statements about modeling tolerances and levels of (un)certainty; and at process modeling level: business process models should include information exchange processes from the very start of the building survey (BIM→facility management→BIM or regular audit). Originality/value: – BIM environments are not often used to document existing buildings or interventions in existing buildings. The authors propose to improve the situation by using BIM standards and/or guidelines, and the authors give an initial overview of components that should be included in such a standard and/or guideline.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a revolutionary tool in the domain of architectural conservation and documentation. When combined with terrestrial 3D laser scanning, it presents a powerful method to capture and represent the intricate details and nuances of historic structures. Such buildings, with their unique architectural lineage, often exude a geometric complexity unparalleled by standard designs. Consequently, the transition from scan data to a BIM framework, or the scan-to-BIM process, becomes intricate and time-intensive. Beyond the challenge of digital translation, the true essence of these historic buildings lies not only in their geometric form but also in understanding and preserving their design logic, formal composition rules, and primitive geometry. It then becomes imperative that the resulting model maintains fidelity in terms of proportion, shape, symmetry, and spatial rationale. Considering these challenges and potentials, this article delves into the process of digitalizing and BIM modeling of the Lisbon Agricultural Exhibition Pavilion located in Portugal. Our study proceeds in a tripartite structure: initiating with an in-depth terrestrial 3D laser scanning of the pavilion, followed by a comprehensive registration, processing, and alignment of the acquired scans, and culminating in a detailed BIM model using the industry-standard Revit 2020 software.

Over the last few decades photogrammetry and laser scanning have been frequently considered valuable tools for creating three-dimensional models from which metric and radiometric information can be derived for the survey of cultural heritage buildings, reverse engineering, space exploration and other areas. However reconstructing old heritage buildings digitally may be a challenging task especially when the shape, geometry and volume of these buildings are intrinsically complex therefore requiring specific methods or ad-hoc solutions. Medieval castles are typical constructions that exhibit these kinds of features with inaccessible locations, bridges, wide areas followed by small and limited spaces, battlements, towers and walls occluded by vegetation. This variety of problems can prolong the time required to complete the tasks when using laser scanning or photogrammetry with conventional lenses. In this paper we present a research of use of fisheye lenses in photogrammetry, for capturing medieval castles' geometric and radiometric information of hard to reach places. We conclude that this reduces the total time needed to capture the same amount of information gathered with other instruments, it allows replacing the usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in low flight situations, makes the survey connection between areas of a building easier, reduces the total number of images and allows making a general fast survey. The castles illustrated in this paper are the Castle of Sesimbra and the Castle of The Convent of Christ, both in Portugal.

This paper presents the methodologies and findings from of a technical mission undertaken to document and assess the Taras Shevchenko Chernihiv Regional Academic Music and Drama Theatre in Chernihiv, Ukraine — an emblematic cultural landmark within the Historic Centre of Chernihiv, which is included on Ukraine’s Tentative List and sustained significant damage in August 2023. Conducted through a UNESCO/ICOMOS partnership, the mission combined advanced architectural documentation techniques with capacity-building activities for local professionals and students. Emphasizing the use of terrestrial laser scanning, photogrammetry, and sophisticated geospatial analysis, this document details the methodological approach taken, the structure of the training programs implemented, the obstacles encountered during the mission, and the resulting deliverables. This study serves as a valuable reference for employing integrated strategies in post-disaster interventions for cultural heritage sites.