Aiming at the problem of difficult data collection and modeling in high-rise ancient buildings with narrow interiors, a method is proposed in this paper for modeling and supporting digital restoration based on unmanned aerial vehicle oblique photogrammetry combined with three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning technology. The ancient watchtower complex in the Tibetan region of China is taken as an example. Firstly, the data is collected using an unmanned aerial vehicle and 3D laser scanner. Secondly, the two types of data are merged to generate a three-dimensional status model. Finally, by analyzing the status model and combining the similar remaining conditions, a virtual restoration scheme is proposed, and a 3D restoration model is established. The results show that virtual restoration based on 3D measurement technology can be used as a new method for the research and protection of towering ancient buildings, asrecorded by adopting targeted technology for digital documentation. It is necessary and effective to adopt a method combining unmanned aerial vehicle oblique photogrammetry and the ground 3D laser scanning technology in harsh environments. The digital model can promote the sustainable utilization of cultural heritage. It is necessary to analyze and make full use of the status model of such ancient buildings based on accurately measured data for the virtual restoration of the damaged ancient buildings. The status model of the ancient buildings can be used for display browsing and disaster recording. The restoration model can be dismantled and used to guide the repair work.

A large amount of industrial heritage has been preserved owing to the wide recognition of its value as part of urban renewal and rural revitalization. Shaanxi’s industrial heritage is unique because of its rich historical resources. However, research on Shaanxi’s industrial heritage has been of point and piecemeal form rather than systematic. In this study, through the collection of historical data and study of the academic literature, we analyzed 385 industrial heritage sites in Shaanxi in time and space from 1840 to 1978 using a geographic information system (GIS) to reveal their evolution patterns. We comprehensively examined the influence of factors such as natural resources, traditional ancient industry inheritance, transportation conditions, and historical policies, and found that the distribution of industrial heritage in Shaanxi resulted from the interaction of these factors. We have constructed the first ever level categorized and quantified multilevel industrial heritage atlas of Shaanxi in the form of a Sankey diagram using GIS spatial maps, which provides a traceable historical record for each industrial heritage site. We not only reveal the spatial evolution law of industrial heritage in Shaanxi but also provide an overall view of the practice of industrial heritage protection and renewal, thus helping avoid the homogenization of future design. Our findings are also of academic and practical significance for the study and protection of industrial heritage.

This study investigates 101 hospital heritage sites in Shaanxi (1889–1992). It addresses the lack of a standardized definition and fragmented research on Chinese hospital heritage. Data were collected from Shaanxi local records, hospital architectural documents, and satellite imagery. These were supplemented by interviews with 33 stakeholders directly involved in or associated with hospital heritage conservation to assess heritage values. GIS analysis revealed four distinct spatiotemporal stages: Introduction of Western medicine (1889–1936), Medical care in time of war (1937–1949), The healthcare system after the establishment of PRC (1950–1978), and Healthcare reform in the context of economic transition (1979–1992). Significant regional disparities were observed across these stages. Spatiotemporal analysis of historical and contemporary satellite imagery revealed three conservation patterns of original sites. To assess multidimensional values, grounded theory analysis identified nine main dimensions (including emotional significance, cluster value, and technological heritage) with 31 initial categories exhibiting complex interdependencies. Collectively, the findings highlight systemic challenges in Shaanxi’s hospital heritage conservation, particularly neglect and incompatible reuse, underscoring urgent protection needs. This framework provides theoretical underpinnings for optimizing hospital heritage resource allocation and implementing sustainable conservation strategies.