Built Heritage Documentation techniques: Methods, Applications and Case studies

Authors

  • Anita Meskar Associate Professor, Dr. D Y Patil College of Architecture Akurdi and PhD Scholar, NIT Trichy
  • Kesavaperumal Thirumaran Professor, NIT Trichy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968/2yg8a118

Keywords:

Built Heritage Documentation, Photogrammetry, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM), Heritage Conservation

Abstract

Documentation of built heritage is an integral part of the conservation process and is essential to providing accurate information to guide-built heritage preservation, restoration and long-term management. This review covers the development of the documentation process from the traditional surveying methods to the more recent ones such as measured drawings, total station surveys, the use of photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS/LiDAR), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey and Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM). The paper explores the key applications of these techniques for conservation planning, structural assessment, restoration, digital archiving, disaster risk management, tourism, deterioration monitoring and maintenance planning. It also identifies opportunities for development as well as significant challenges, such as high equipment costs, challenges with data processing, interoperability, lack of technical skills, lack of standardisation, and legal and ethical issues. Finally, the review highlights recent developments including the use of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twin, cloud-based heritage management, and integrated HBIM-GIS platforms that are revolutionising the process of heritage documentation as a more intelligent, collaborative and sustainable heritage conservation.

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Published

2026-08-26

How to Cite

[1]
Anita Meskar and Kesavaperumal Thirumaran 2026. Built Heritage Documentation techniques: Methods, Applications and Case studies. AG Volumes. (Aug. 2026), 15–27. DOI:https://doi.org/10.69968/2yg8a118.