Topic Editors

Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, Viale Mattioli 39, 10125 Turin, Italy
Department of Architecture and Design (DAD), Politecnico di Torino, Viale Mattioli 39, 10126 Torino, Italy
Dr. Arnadi Dhestaratri Murtiyoso
ETH Zürich, Management Forstlicher Ressourcen, CHN K 75, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland

3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage

Abstract submission deadline
1 September 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
1 December 2025
Viewed by
1422

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The definition of tangible cultural heritage is wide and includes, but is not limited to, landscapes, built heritage, cities, territories, archaeological sites, minor historical centres, urban environments, cities, suburbs, villages, and hamlets (Article 1 of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention). It is widely accepted that the accurate spatial documentation (from 3D integrated metric surveys or from harmonised geospatial datasets) of these assets is crucial for preservation, restoration, historical analysis, revitalisation, and various other applications. Moreover, such 3D documentation could help, with its high accuracy, highly detailed datasets, or multiscale geodatabases, in planning processing involving different stakeholders, citizens, and local communities.

The proposed Topic will deal with advanced spatial documentation techniques, both 2D and 3D, leveraging contemporary geomatics technologies, GeoAI, 3D city models, and Digital Twins. Several specific documentation techniques can be used to achieve accurate and complete documentation of CH including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) for high-resolution aerial data acquisition using different sensors (e.g., RGB, thermal, multispectral data) and techniques (e.g., aerial imagery and photogrammetry with the aim to create detailed 2D products and 3D models);
  • Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and MMS (Mobile Mapping System) generating 3D point clouds with different degrees of accuracy and levels of detail;
  • Creation and publication of geodatabase from cartographic dataset of national geoportals (standards compliant with geographic information standards);
  • GeoAI approaches that use artificial intelligence to analyse, classify, and interpret geospatial data for cultural heritage applications;
  •  Novel technology for the metric documentation of CH.

For the application of these geomatics techniques to CH documentation, the following specific aims are considered in this Topic:

  • Provide precise and detailed 2D and 3D metric documentation (by means of geomatics techniques acquisitions and approaches) of cultural heritage assets;
  • Enable various analyses through the application of modern geomatics techniques and GeoAI;
  • Facilitate the creation and use of Digital Twins for cultural heritage sites;
  • Support diverse applications, including risk assessment, restoration planning, and heritage management;
  • Use the documentation to deal with possible scenarios like risk management, urban planning, sustainable plans, regulatory plans, restoration actions, etc.

We are targeting contributions that achieve the following:

  • Present case studies demonstrating the successful application of 2D and 3D metric documentation techniques in cultural heritage;
  • Explore innovative methods and technologies for spatial documentation;
  • Discuss the integration of documentation data into various analytical and application frameworks;
  • Analyse the impact of advanced spatial documentation on risk assessment, restoration planning, and heritage management.

This Topic highlights the importance of advanced spatial documentation in cultural heritage, with the aim of supporting independent researchers, professionals, and national public and private entities in its management, conservation, study, and promotion. By integrating cutting-edge geomatics techniques, GeoAI, and Digital Twins, this research will provide new insights and methodologies for comprehensive documentation, facilitating the various applications crucial for preserving and managing cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the proposed Topic seeks to advance the understanding and application of the available documentation approaches for Cultural Heritage. By fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration, this Topic also aims to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites, ensuring their protection and appreciation for future generations.

Dr. Lorenzo Teppati Losè
Dr. Elisabetta Colucci
Dr. Arnadi Dhestaratri Murtiyoso
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • heritage management strategies
  • metric documentation techniques
  • digital twins
  • 3d city models
  • geoai applications
  • geomatics technologies
  • cultural heritage preservation
  • advanced spatial documentation

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Sciences
applsci
2.5 5.3 2011 18.4 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Drones
drones
4.4 5.6 2017 19.2 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Geomatics
geomatics
- - 2021 22.1 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Heritage
heritage
2.0 2.9 2018 19.8 Days CHF 1600 Submit
ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information
ijgi
2.8 6.9 2012 35.8 Days CHF 1900 Submit
Remote Sensing
remotesensing
4.2 8.3 2009 23.9 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Sensors
sensors
3.4 7.3 2001 18.6 Days CHF 2600 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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31 pages, 24504 KiB  
Article
Archival Research, Underwater Optical Surveys, and 3D Modelling: Three Stages for Shaping the Wreck of the Steamship Bengala (Isola di Capo Rizzuto, Crotone, Italy)
by Salvatore Medaglia, Fabio Bruno, Ana Castelli, Matteo Collina, Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, Luca De Rosa, Julieta Frere, Fabrizio Fuoco, Guillermo Gutiérrez, Antonio Lagudi, Francesco Megna and Raffaele Peluso
Heritage 2025, 8(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8010013 - 29 Dec 2024
Viewed by 713
Abstract
Bengala, a steamer that sank in 1889 near Capo Rizzuto, Italy, was a relatively new vessel for its time, with an unusually short 18-year service life, given that steamers of the period typically operated for 30 to 40 years. Despite its brief [...] Read more.
Bengala, a steamer that sank in 1889 near Capo Rizzuto, Italy, was a relatively new vessel for its time, with an unusually short 18-year service life, given that steamers of the period typically operated for 30 to 40 years. Despite its brief history, SS Bengala played a significant role in the development of Italy’s young merchant navy, undergoing multiple ownership changes and serving various Italian shipping companies. Employed mainly along the route to Southeast Asia, it transported Italian migrants overseas and also participated in troop raids during the Italian military expedition to Eritrea in 1887. Despite its historical significance, no iconographic material has yet been found to depict SS Bengala, and archival research conducted in Italy and England has not uncovered any naval plans, photographs, or drawings of the ship. To overcome this gap, the authors employed new technologies and historical information to create a virtual reconstruction. This research combined archival sources with underwater surveys, including a detailed 3D survey by divers and archaeologists. Archival research, including consultation of official documents, provided critical information on the ship’s dimensions, superstructure, rigging, materials, and construction methods. The 3D modelling of the ship’s external hull, based on precise geometric data from the wreck site, offers a first step towards virtual reconstruction. The modelling is grounded in photogrammetric surveying techniques, ensuring high accuracy in the reconstruction process. The model can be used in augmented reality (AR) applications to enhance underwater exploration, allowing divers to visualise the reconstructed ship in its original environment. Additionally, it supports museum exhibits, interactive visualisations, and educational games, making it a valuable resource for engaging the public with maritime history and archaeology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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