Comprehensive Advanced Heritage Building Defect Assessment and Procedures Using LiDAR and Photogrammetry Towards the Sustainability of Cultural Heritage

Abstract. Heritage buildings are valuable cultural assets that require meticulous conservation strategies to ensure their sustainability. Traditional Building Condition Assessment (BCA) techniques, which rely heavily on manual walk-by inspections, are often time-consuming, labour-intensive, and prone to human error. This study presents a comprehensive and advanced methodology integrating Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and photogrammetry for heritage building defect assessment. By leveraging 3D point cloud data and laser scanning technology, this research aims to enhance defect identification accuracy, improve efficiency in documentation, and support informed decision-making for conservation efforts. Case studies conducted on heritage buildings, including Ipoh Town Hall and Post Office, Galeri Kraftangan Seremban, and Bangunan Dato’ Jaafar in Johor Bahru, demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in detecting architectural and structural deterioration. The study also proposes a structured framework for integrating LiDAR with conventional BCA, providing best practices for heritage documentation and conservation planning. The findings highlight the potential of digital tools in revolutionizing heritage surveying, ensuring precise defect assessments, and promoting sustainable cultural heritage management.