Documentation of centennial structures in Istanbul via Terrestrial Laser Scanning technology

Abstract

Historical buildings are the most important structures of cultural heritages, as they carry a long history and reflects the culture of the nation. In Turkey, some historical structures are more than 1500 years old and they were significantly damaged through natural disasters, wars, weather changes, human negligence, and effects of decay. It is an essential issue that concerns the protection of these cultural heritages for our descendants. This paper examines the importance of cultural heritage documentation via Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) technology, which allows acquiring data accurately and in a short period of time. Based on a 3-dimensional (3D) data in form of point cloud, it is possible to construct 3D model of the structure, create an accurate digital archive and orthophotos, which can be used in further restoration works. This paper provides two case studies from Istanbul (Turkey). As the result of this study, 3D point cloud models, orthophotos, and façade drawings of the structures were produced.