Digital documentation and preservation of the old depot museum: techniques, processes, and outcomes using TLS, HBIM, and virtual technologies

This paper presents the digital documentation of the Old Depot Museum, a significant historical site located in Selma, Alabama, USA, using advanced technologies such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM), and virtual tour development. The project aimed to create a comprehensive digital record of the museum's architectural and historical elements to support its preservation, interpretation, and accessibility. The process involved capturing high-precision point cloud data through TLS, converting the data into an HBIM model, and supplementing it with aerial photogrammetry and 360-degree photography. The resulting digital models facilitated the identification of structural issues, informed restoration strategies, and enhanced public engagement through an immersive virtual tour. This study outlines the technical challenges encountered, the methodologies employed to address them, and the project's broader implications for heritage documentation and conservation practices. The findings highlight the importance of integrating multiple digital technologies to achieve accurate and accessible documentation of cultural heritage sites.