Archiving Built Heritage Façades: Reprocessing LiDAR and Photogrammetric Data from OpenHeritage3D

Abstract In the 21st century, the cost of personal computers and digital cameras has reduced significantly. This technological advancement means that collecting large amounts of data has become inexpensive. The reduced cost of data collection corresponds with a decline in the awareness of meticulous planning in photogrammetric projects and an increase in the volume of unstructured data. CyArk, a non-profit organization based in California, has documented heritage sites globally using a combination of LiDAR and photogrammetry and published their datasets through the OpenHeritage3D portal, an open-access platform. These datasets often lack proper documentation, standardization, and modularization. Although these data can create photorealistic models, they do not contain survey data and meticulous project planning, resulting in unstructured data. While existing literature explores the reusability of CyArk data through 3D modelling, mapping, and architectural drawing, the current literature lacks a systematic review of CyArk’s capture process, OpenHeritage3D’s archival method, and the accuracy of the 3D data. This study reviews the datasets from OpenHeriage3D using RealityCapture and 3Dsurvey software. The two case studies aim to deliver traditional 2D façade documentation from LiDAR and photogrammetric data. Ultimately, this article provides suggestions for CyArk and OpenHeritage3D to improve the process of data creation and storage.