Stone material damage detection in restoration using Virtual Reality: The case of Virgin Mary Church and Patriarchate in Midyat, Türkiye

Abstract

With the advancements in technology, various methods are being used for documenting
cultural heritage. However, three-dimensional (3D) documentation techniques have some
drawbacks. For instance, terrestrial laser scanning techniques are not widely used due to their
high costs and the expertise required. Photogrammetry can generate point clouds at a lower
cost but involves managing large data files, which require additional time. In this context, the
aim of this study is to present a method that integrates photogrammetry and virtual reality
technologies to examine a stone building in three dimensions in a cost-effective and timely
manner, and to investigate stone material deterioration on the obtained 3D model. The virtual
3D environment of the structure can be created using the proposed method from global
panoramic photographs on various open-source platforms at a reasonable cost and within a
short period. The results of the study demonstrate that stone material deterioration can be
easily identified in these environments consisting of a three-dimensional virtual tour of the
structure.