Photo-modeling and cloud computing. Applications in the survey of late gothic architectural elements

CASU, PAOLA;PISU, CLAUDIA

2013-01-01

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Abstract

This work proposes the application of the latest methods of photo-modeling to the study of Gothic architecture in Sardinia. The aim is to consider the versatility and ease of use of such documentation tools in order to study architecture and its ornamental details. The paper illustrates a procedure of integrated survey and restitution, with the purpose to obtain an accurate 3D model of some gothic portals. We combined the contact survey and the photographic survey oriented to the photo-modelling. The software used is 123D Catch by Autodesk an Image Based Modelling (IBM) system available free. It is a web-based application that requires a few simple steps to produce a mesh from a set of not oriented photos. We tested the application on four portals, working at different scale of detail: at first the whole portal and then the different architectural elements that composed it. We were able to model all the elements and to quickly extrapolate simple sections, in order to make a comparison between the moldings, highlighting similarities and differences. Working in different sites at different scale of detail, have allowed us to test the procedure under different conditions of exposure, sunshine, accessibility, degradation of surface, type of material, and with different equipment and operators, showing if the final result could be affected by these factors. We tested a procedure, articulated in a few repeatable steps, that can be applied, with the right corrections and adaptations, to similar cases and/or larger or smaller elements.