Optimizing The Digital Documentation Process by Integrating Laser Scanning, Hand Measurements, And Photographic Data

This study explores how digital documentation methods can be optimized by combining laser scanning, hand measurements, and photographic data to improve the preservation of architectural heritage. As traditional analog documentation method (e.g., hand measurements, sketches, and field notes) remains limited by time, accuracy, and scalability, the integration of digital tools offers opportunities for greater precision, efficiency, and accessibility. However, few studies provide a comprehensive framework that merges analog and digital approaches into one cohesive process. To address this gap, the research develops and assesses a hybrid documentation framework applied to the case study of the Ship on the Desert, an iconic mid-20th-century modern structure located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. The study proceeds in three phases: on-site data collection, integration, and comparison of datasets. By integrating laser scanning, hand measurements, and photographic data into one structured workflow, this study develops a hybrid documentation framework that improves accuracy, efficiency, and completeness in recording architectural heritage. This approach provides a clear and replicable model for future documentation projects.