In the heart of Italy, a groundbreaking approach to preserving architectural heritage is unfolding, one that could reshape how we interact with and manage historic sites worldwide. Dr. Paolo Clini, a researcher from the Department of Construction, Civil Engineering and Architecture at Marche Polytechnic University in Ancona, Italy, has pioneered a methodology that merges cutting-edge technology with cultural preservation. His work, published in *The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences* (International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences), offers a glimpse into the future of heritage management.
Clini’s study focuses on the historic centre of Cagli, a town rich with layered architectural and archaeological treasures. The challenge? To document and manage both above-ground and underground heritage in a way that is intuitive, collaborative, and data-driven. The solution? A sophisticated integration of Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) with eXtended Reality (XR) technologies.
The process begins with data acquisition. Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), UAV photogrammetry, and 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) are used to create detailed, georeferenced datasets of buildings and subsurface anomalies. These datasets are then modeled as parametric volumes within an HBIM environment, enriched with structured metadata that includes geometry, historical sources, and risk information.
But here’s where it gets truly innovative. The HBIM model is seamlessly integrated into an XR application built in Unity and connected with Google Cloud services. This allows for real-time data exchange, enabling users to interact with the 3D model using a Mixed Reality (MR) headset. They can access metadata and upload new information on-site, making the system a powerful tool for collaborative heritage management.
“Imagine standing in the ruins of a historic site, putting on a Mixed Reality headset, and seeing the structure as it once was, complete with detailed historical data at your fingertips,” Clini explains. “This isn’t just about visualization; it’s about enabling informed decision-making and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared heritage.”
The potential applications are vast. For instance, the system can support post-earthquake assessments by associating building records with standardized forms. It can also facilitate monitoring, documentation, and engagement with historic urban environments. The workflow is designed to be replicable and adaptable, making it a viable solution for other historic villages facing similar conservation challenges.
So, what does this mean for the future of heritage management? Clini’s work suggests a shift towards more intuitive, data-driven approaches that leverage advanced technologies. It’s a move away from static documentation towards dynamic, interactive experiences that can engage experts and the public alike.
For the energy sector, this research could open new avenues for integrating heritage preservation with urban development and infrastructure projects. By providing a comprehensive, easily accessible overview of historic sites, the methodology can help stakeholders make informed decisions that balance conservation with progress.
As Clini puts it, “This is about opening new perspectives for how we interact with and care for our historic environments. It’s a step towards a more collaborative, informed, and engaged approach to heritage management.”
In a world where technology and tradition often seem at odds, Clini’s work offers a compelling vision of how they can coexist and even enhance each other. It’s a vision that could very well shape the future of heritage preservation, one interactive, data-rich experience at a time.