Abstract
Traditional techniques for recording and modeling historical buildings using surveying instruments and CAD are tedious and time-consuming procedures. In addition, these techniques do not provide detailed descriptions of complex facades. Recent developments in photogrammetry and laser-scanning techniques present non-contact, flexible and accessible surveying tools for 2D-3D recording. This paper discusses the potential for combining photogrammetry, laser scanning and computer vision for the documentation of heritage sites. By these means the efficiency of data collection, as well as the geometric accuracy and visual quality of the collected textured 3D models, can be optimized. Additionally, accurate true orthophotos of the studied structure can be generated using precise 3D surface representations derived from laser scanning and overlapping digital images to entirely cover the object of interest. The final product allows the creation of detailed and complete facade plans, which are both graphically superior and accurate. The paper includes a study of the approach applied to historic buildings in the ancient Gharissa village, one of the best preserved heritage villages in Jordan. (Author abstract)