The scientists' work became part of a project that received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Curie grant agreement. There were such participants as Perm Polytech, University of Pavia, University of Valencia and two European enterprises.
The results of the study were published in the journals Springer Nature Switzerland AG and Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering (in print). Scientists have also patented a software module that can be used to replenish the database.
According to Anastasia Semina, one of the developers, senior lecturer at the Department of “Architecture and Urban Studies” at Perm Polytech, historical buildings reflect the cultural characteristics and individuality of the place. The survey and digital modeling of the historical and architectural environment were conducted on the example of Verkhnekamye – the northern part of the Perm Region. It is one of the most significant and rich places in the architectural content of the Perm Region and includes Cherdyn, Solikamsk and Usolye towns. There architectural monuments are in various states – from functional to ruined. Modern technologies have made it possible to document, preserve and reconstruct them digitally.
Searching for information about cultural heritage sites usually takes a lot of time. The scientists' project will help structure this data by collecting it in one place. The universal database can be replenished with digital descriptions and models of landmarks, which will be the basis for catalogs or special architectural atlases. With the help of digital models, it is possible to trace how the state of the monuments has changed.
Scientists conducted a virtual reconstruction of some cultural heritage sites based on data obtained using digital tools. They developed 3D models using laser scanning, photogrammetry, aerial photography and visual examination data, which provide high accuracy and speed of field data collection. To build digital models, the researchers used BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology, allowing to describe an object piecemeal and save data about building structures, materials and other elements of buildings. Perm Polytech scientists used the programs Autodesk Recap, Agisoft Photoscan, Graphisoft ArchiCAD and Autodesk Revit. The 3D model of an architectural object is already a database, and in combination with spatial data can become the most accurate description of it. This approach will preserve the architectural elements of monuments and monumental and decorative painting.
According to Svetlana Maksimova, scientific supervisor, Head of the Department of “Architecture and Urban Studies”, professor and Doctor of Technical Sciences, perfect 3D models of buildings can be created with using software products. However, it is important to preserve the uniqueness of each element of the building for the sphere of historical and cultural heritage. The representation of damage and structural materials allows to better estimate the condition of the building. Scientists suppose that an architectural object can be represented with a discrete model, using the capabilities of laser scanning or photogrammetry. Points fix indistinct geometry, damage and colors. The original appearance of the architectural monument is recreated with the use of additional processing and historical photographs.
The study results can be used for buildings restoration, for strategy for the development of territories and projects for the restoration of historical settlements, as well as when making management decisions.