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Using Drones and 3D Modeling to Survey Tibetan Architectural Heritage: A Case Study with the Multi-Door Stupa

Author

Listed:
  • Zheng Sun

    (School of Architecture, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban and Architectural Heritage Conservation (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China)

  • Yingying Zhang

    (Key Laboratory of Urban and Architectural Heritage Conservation (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China
    School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China)

Abstract

Tibet has an average altitude of 4900 m, a complex terrain, and unique climatic conditions. The technologies used to survey this country’s local architectural heritage must be portable, efficient, and versatile. Low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithms can help satisfy these demands. Recent studies employing nadir images from low-cost UAVs and SfM algorithms have reported positive metric results (with centimeter-level accuracy) when modeling 2D objects (e.g., land, roofs, and facades). In Tibet, however, forming a complete 3D model of architectural heritage is highly preferable and doing so requires a camera network that can create nadir and oblique images with various baselines. This study compared the accuracies of surveying a Tibetan stupa using the UAV-SfM method compared with Ground Control Points (GCP) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS). The results indicated that the UAV-derived model is accurate enough for most surveying purposes (RMSE = 2.05 cm; 1/2000 of the stupa’s dimension). The accuracy and completeness of the 3D model allowed Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) and structural deformation analysis to also be undertaken. In addition, the stupa was integrated with geographic data (terrain and infrastructure) for visualization, management, and evaluation purposes at a larger scale. Considering the low cost, portability, and completeness offered by UAV and SfM, this tool offers promise for surveying Tibet’s architectural heritage.

Suggested Citation

  • Zheng Sun & Yingying Zhang, 2018. "Using Drones and 3D Modeling to Survey Tibetan Architectural Heritage: A Case Study with the Multi-Door Stupa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:7:p:2259-:d:155426
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Peng Liu & Qun Zhang & Kaiyang Zhong & Youman Wei & Qing Wang, 2022. "Climate Adaptation and Indoor Comfort Improvement Strategies for Buildings in High-Cold Regions: Empirical Study from Ganzi Region, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Srikanth Gururajan & Ye Bai, 2019. "Autonomous “Figure-8” Flights of a Quadcopter: Experimental Datasets," Data, MDPI, vol. 4(1), pages 1-9, March.
    3. Lauren Etxepare & Iñigo Leon & Maialen Sagarna & Iñigo Lizundia & Eneko Jokin Uranga, 2020. "Advanced Intervention Protocol in the Energy Rehabilitation of Heritage Buildings: A Miñones Barracks Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-33, August.
    4. Iñigo Leon & José Javier Pérez & María Senderos, 2020. "Advanced Techniques for Fast and Accurate Heritage Digitisation in Multiple Case Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-29, July.
    5. Jeoung Yul Lee & Ilkhom Okmirzaevich Irisboev & Yeon-Sik Ryu, 2021. "Literature Review on Digitalization in Facilities Management and Facilities Management Performance Measurement: Contribution of Industry 4.0 in the Global Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-29, December.
    6. Siliang Chen & Haozhong Yang & Shusheng Wang & Qingwu Hu, 2018. "Surveying and Digital Restoration of Towering Architectural Heritage in Harsh Environments: a Case Study of the Millennium Ancient Watchtower in Tibet," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-23, September.

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