Evaluating Digital Tool’s Integration for the Preservation of XX century Architectures

Abstract. This study explores how a mix of digital surveying tools can be integrated to thoroughly document and preserve twentieth-century architectural landmarks, focusing specifically on the Church of Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes in Atlántida, Uruguay. Designed by the renowned engineer Eladio Dieste between 1956 and 1960, the church stands as a striking example of structural ingenuity, notably through its use of reinforced brick and signature Gaussian vaults. Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it serves as an ideal case study for testing modern documentation techniques. The research was based on the interoperability, precision, and practicality of several 3D data acquisition methods. By comparing the point clouds these technologies generate, and using data from the highly accurate tool as a benchmark, the study assesses how faithfully each method captures the geometry of the structure. Findings reveal that although SLAM-based data shows greater deviation, it still holds value, particularly for initial surveys or work in tight, difficult-to-navigate spaces. Photogrammetry, on the other hand, proved indispensable in documenting features that were otherwise unreachable—effectively filling in gaps left by laser scanning. The integration of these data sets required careful alignment and annotation, resulting in a robust 3D model layered with scalar fields to trace both the data sources and their relative reliability. Ultimately, the research highlights the importance of flexibility and precision in heritage documentation while offering a replicable workflow. The proposed methodology not only enhances data quality but also supports more sustainable conservation practices in the digital age.