Surveying a historic building means to measure, to detect and to analyse its geometries, its structural elements, the connections still existing between the different parts, in order to define its state of conservation, to make structural analysis and finally to plan a proper project of conservation, consolidation and reuse. The survey represents the first necessary moment for building’s knowledge investigation. Nowadays, the wide use of tools and accurate surveying techniques makes it possible to achieve an adequate level of accuracy of information related to the buildings; BIM tools offer a great potential, in terms of both planning and evaluation of the entire knowledge and conservation process of an historical building, and in terms of its management and future maintenance. In particular, the BIM technologies allow the communication between data coming from different software, allowing a greater exchange of information between many actors. In recent years, the generative process of Building Information Modelling (BIM) oriented to the digitization of built heritage has been supported by the development of new commands modelling able to integrate the output data produced by laser scanner surveys (point clouds) in major modelling applications. Structural elements, such as vaulted historical systems, arches, decorations, architectural ornaments and wall partitions with variable cross sections, require higher levels of detail (LOD) and information (LOI) compared to the digitalization process of new buildings. Therefore, the structure of a BIM model aimed at representing existing and historical artefacts (HBIM) requires the definition of a new digital process capable of converting traditional techniques used for the management of new buildings to those suitable for creation of digital versions of historical buildings that are unique of their kind. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the ongoing researches and activities carried out on survey and HBIM model of historical buildings.

The research presented here is carried out within the INTERREG EU project framework, which aims to the valorisation and dissemination of the role of the Church ...

Our built environment is nowadays considered as a dynamic complex, stretching and transforming across space and time, with the interaction of human, social and economic dimensions. It needs to be safeguarded as living places for the future taking into account such complexity. The general aim of this work is to contribute to the comprehension of landscape values, enhancing participation processes by tourists and local communities, considering the built environment as a system: the sum of natural transformation, ancient artefacts stratification and human activities, partially covering the tangible traces, and functioning as a vehicle for the comprehension of intangible values. Multi-temporal, multi-scale and geospatial datasets can play an important role in such knowledge transfer processes by means of narratives and immersive experiences in a multimedia museum approach. In particular, the cartographic heritage, in the form of metric and non-metric maps, can be progressively used as a source of information for innovative narratives. Virtual Museums (VMs)are additional "channels" to disseminate content and to provide knowledge about cultural heritage; they have emerged from the crossbreeding process between museums and digital technologies. Investigating how digital storytelling may support communication and understanding of complex systems, such as the built environment and landscape, it is relevant because cultural awareness may foster the sense of belonging and identity construction of which Europe is thirsty, contributing to the safeguarding of fragile sites. The paper provides useful information for museums that would like to follow this pathway. It retraces the main steps of storytelling production and presents interesting examples of immersive narrative models based on geospatial data and a virtual hub, helping people to retrieve and access information and to recognize places of memory mostly unknown. Moreover, it offers an evaluation of existing tools that can be adopted for this purpose. Eventually, by virtue of the research carried out for the case study of the Virtual Museum of Como Lake Landscape, the paper aims at ascertaining which kind of stories and experiences can be designed, the potential of these tools and possible weaknesses or constraints that deserve future researches.Highlights:Investigation of a narrative approach to develop a theoretical model of virtual museums that can support communication and understanding of built environment and landscape.Integration of multi-temporal, multi-scale cartography and geospatial datasets, as a narrative base and information to facilitate the landscape values comprehension by non-expert users.Use of low-cost techniques (panoramic photos, 360° videos, 3D models) to design immersive experiences that can increase the interest of people in discovering the built environment.

Highlights: Digital surveying, Historic Building Information Modeling, Game Engines and visual programming are enhancing virtual reality technologies, turning static models into engaging, interactive virtual environments(IVE) A VR app and WebVRapplication have been developed for the Ospedale Maggiore in Milan, integrating virtual-visual storytelling (VVS) with three-dimensional (3D)animations, textual information, and audio to enhance user engagement The VR and WebVRsolutions support a wide range of devices, making cultural heritage more accessible to diverse audiences and promoting a more inclusive understanding of history and architecture In an era marked by rapid digital transformation, the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage increasingly depend on advanced technologies to convey both its tangible and intangible values, whether on-site or remotely. Monuments, archaeological sites, historical centres, and museums are progressively recognising the transformative potential of extended reality (XR) technologies. Among these, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a particularly effective tool for communicating information and engaging visitors. These technologies facilitate the creation of immersive, interactive experiences that provide access to vast datasets, often difficult to explore within the limitations of physical settings. This study investigates these emerging paradigms, specifically focusing on the roles played by digital surveying, data interpretation, Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM), and visual programming languages (VPL) in developing innovative VR solutions. These advancements allow for the transformation of static BIM into dynamic interactive virtual environments (IVE) and virtual objects (IVO), which respond to user input in real-time, thereby fostering engaging and dynamic digital experiences. A case study of the Ospedale Maggiore in Milan—designed by Filarete in the mid-15th century and currently housing the University of Milan—serves as an exemplary model of the potential of these technologies. A VR platform and a WebVR application have been developed, enabling users to immerse themselves in a virtual environment enriched by virtual-visual storytelling (VVS). This narrative approach integrates textual information, audio, and 3D animations to enhance the user's experience (UX) and provide a multifaceted understanding of the site’s historical and cultural significance. By supporting a diverse range of devices—including desktop computers, VR headsets, and mobile phones and tablets—these solutions aim to expand accessibility, foster inclusivity, and promote a deeper, more immersive engagement with cultural heritage. The project not only enhances the visitor experience but also advances the role of digital technologies in democratising access to and understanding of cultural and historical resources.

The paper illustrates the possibility to shift from a 3D content model to a Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) in order to support conservation and management of built heritage. This three-dimensional solution is based on parametric models, suitable for industrial elements and modern architecture, that can be usefully applied to heritage documentation and management of the data on conservation practices. In this sense, the research investigates the definition of an HBIM targeted library, starting from surface surveying and representation towards the logic of object definition. In order to promote wider use and uptake of these 3D object modelling instruments, some case studies are illustrated by the paper. Vault and wooden beam floor analysis show how HBIM for architectural heritage could be implemented in order to assemble different kind of data on historical buildings, such as e.g. dimensional, geometrical, thematic, historical and architectural information.