Laser scanning does not provide unlimited geometrical accuracy and integrity when scanning complex objects. Scanning systems have a minimum and maximum range in which they operate, depending on the technical characteristics. Scanning below or above these limits results in gross errors and registering of incorrect data. Laser scanners can have difficulties with certain materials such as marble and reflective surfaces. This paper presents the results of laser scanning of a complex monument of cultural and historical heritage using two different types of terrestrial laser scanners. Afterwards, the comparison and analysis of the results are shown. The scanners used were terrestrial laser scanners Faro Focus 3D (phase mode distance measurements) and STONEX X300 (pulse mode distance measurements).

This paper presents an attempt to reduce positional errors in digital cadastral maps produced by digitization (scanning, georeferencing, and vectorization) of existing Bosnian-Herzegovinian analog (paper-based) maps. The geometric content of the digital cadastral maps generated by the aforementioned procedure is encumbered by nonuniform and irregularly distributed positional distortions. Errors created during the original elaboration of the analog maps (based on hand drawings using the drafting instruments) cannot be corrected through the geometric transformation of the cadastral map with the use of common (tie) points on the map coordinate grid. This study focused on the elimination of errors in the original map drafts through better selection of common points, with the aim of obtaining a homogeneous spatial accuracy of cadastral maps. With the use of the flexible thin plate spline (TPS) transformation model, which includes information on systematic distortions caused by errors of the original mapping process, the authors made a significant step toward the enhancement of the positional accuracy of boundary points in the digital cadastral maps. The use of TPS transformation reduces heterogeneity of each cadastral map, and maps are efficiently georeferenced to the state plane coordinate grid. Digital cadastral maps generated by reconstruction of original state survey measurements are typically more accurate than those obtained by digitizing scanned maps, and these types of maps were not considered in this study.

During the period of one hundred years photogrammetry has had and still has a very important role in the documentation of cultural heritage. Selecting proper technologies enabled the protection, preservation and valorisation of architectural, archaeological and other forms of cultural heritage. Many recent technological breakthroughs have improved photogrammetry, as a tool for capturing, allowing a representation of much more complicated objects. In this way the faithful representation of the real world as a fast flow of information from the experts to the user has been secured. This paper explains the importance of preserving and documenting the cultural and historical heritage. Interesting examples of documenting the cultural and historical heritage of the world and Bosnia and Herzegovina are given, using close-range photogrammetry and laser scanning.