<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> In this paper, we propose a workflow for recreating places of cultural heritage in Virtual Reality (VR) using structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry. The unique texture of heritage places makes them ideal for full photogrammetric capture. An optimized model is created from the photogrammetric data so that it is small enough to render in a real-time environment. The optimized model, combined with mesh maps (texture maps, normal maps, etc.) looks like the original high detail model. The capture of a whole space makes it possible to create a VR experience with six degrees of freedom (6DoF) that allows the user to explore the historic place. Creating these experiences can bring people to cultural heritage that is either endangered or too remote for some people to access. The workflow described in this paper will be demonstrated with the case study of Myin-pya-gu, an 11th century temple in Bagan, Myanmar.</p>

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Accessibility plays a main role among the aspects that contribute to the conservation of Cultural Heritage sites. Seismic stability, fragility of the artefacts, conflicts, deterioration, natural disasters, climate change and visitors’ impact are only some of the possible causes that might lead to the inaccessibility of a heritage site for both researchers and visitors.</p><p>The increasing potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the conservation field has resulted in the development of Augmented and Virtual reality (AR and VR) experiences. These ones can be very effective for what concerns the description of the visual experience, but also improve the understanding of a site and even became analytic research tools.</p><p>This paper presents an inaccessible Buddhist temple in the Myanmar city of Bagan as a case study for the realization of a VR experience that aims at providing accessibility to knowledge and therefore a better understanding of the cultural value. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the VR for this purpose, a user study has been conducted and its results are reported.</p>

Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhances the sharing of information during the traditional process for new construction, but most of the time, it requires high levels of knowledge management for the historical digital model (H-BIM). The innovation in the Digital Cultural Heritage (DCH) domain is supported by the development of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and modern tools that are able to transmit morphological characteristics of the buildings in all their uniqueness. The latest research in the field of H-BIM shows a significant emergence of innovative methods and management initiatives for the generation of complex historical elements, leading to the confrontation of the paradigm of regularity (simple geometric shapes) with the new paradigm of complexity (historical building elements). This paper proves the benefits of the BIM for project management of the Centre Block of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, Ontario Canada, and shows the results obtained by the introduction of Advanced Modeling Techniques (AMT) during the generative process, reducing time and cost for the creation of the complex architectural and structural elements. The uniqueness of the forms of historical buildings is a real value to be transmitted throughout the building's lifecycle with high Levels of Detail (LOD). Proper management of geometric primitives and Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline (NURBS) models have guaranteed the conversion of spatial data (point clouds) from laser scanning and photogrammetry (geometric survey) into parametric applications. This paper explores the generative process of one of the most complex spaces within The Centre Block building of Parliament Hill-Confederation Hall.

ABSTRACT:On 25 April 2015, the Gorkha earthquake of magnitude 7.8, severely damaged the cultural heritage sites of Nepal. In particular, the seven monument zones of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site suffered extensive damage. Out of 195 surveyed monuments, 38 have completely collapsed and 157 partially damaged (DoA, 2015). In particular, the world historic city of Bhaktapur was heavily affected by the earthquake. There is, in general, a lack of knowledge regarding the traditional construction technology used in many of the most important temple monuments in Bhaktapur. To address this limitation and to assist in reconstruction and rehabilitation of the area, this study documents the existing condition of different historic structures in the Kathmandu Valley. In particular, the Nyatapola Temple is studied in detail. To record and document the condition of this temple, a combination of laser scanning and terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry are used. By also including evaluation of the temple and its supporting plinth structure using non-destructive evaluation techniques like geo-radar and micro-tremor dynamic analysis, this study will form the basis of a structural analysis study to assess the anticipated future seismic performance of the Nyatapola Temple.

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> There are multiple conservation challenges related to decorated surfaces, the majority are intimately linked to its documentation. This paper draws on wall paintings as a representative of decorated surfaces, arguing the importance of considering its fourthdimensionality &amp;ndash; space and time &amp;ndash; in its conservation and documentation. To that end, we propose the use of Building Information Model (BIM) as a platform to consolidate this approach together with various documentation techniques used for the conservation and management of wall paintings. This paper exemplifies this method with a case study of Myin-pya-gu Temple in Old Bagan (Myanmar); firstly, reviewing the different techniques used to document the temple and wall painting (photography, photogrammetry, laser scanning, reflectance transformation imaging (RTI); and secondly, discussing the data integration within a BIM environment. This position proposes a transition from a two-dimensional to a four-dimensional approach in wall painting conservation, potentially opening up possibilities of documentation, monitoring, simulation, or dissemination. Ultimately, the case study of Myin-pya-gu has the objective to introduce the use of HBIM as a platform for consolidating the documentation of decorated surfaces.</p>

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Wall paintings are a unique case of decorated surfaces because of its direct relation to the supporting structure. This paper points out the importance of considering the conservation of wall paintings from its fourth-dimensionality&amp;ndash;surface (2D), depth (3D), and time (4D) &amp;ndash; and taking into account three different scales&amp;ndash;surface, building, and territory. The relationship between these three scales becomes significant with a case study of three temples: Loka-hteik-pan, Myin-pya-gu, and Kubyauk-nge, in the context of Old Bagan (Myanmar), where more than 2,500 temples with valuable wall paintings exist. To that end, firstly, different documentation techniques and management methods are reviewed for each of the scales proposed; secondly, a multi-scale documentation project, mostly unexplored within the context of wall paintings, is developed using BIM and GIS. Ultimately, the case study in Old Bagan proposes a comprehensive methodology to document and manage wall paintings that belong to a large group of heritage assets considering its four-dimensionality at multiple scales, addressing the interoperability at a basic level between: (1) surface and building, (2) building and territory, and (3) surface and territory. The objective is to create data exchange among different platforms and users, generating a collaborative instrument that evolves with the participation of different specialists.</p>

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> The new age of digital technologies has led to a shift in conservation approaches when documenting historic places for posterity. The availability of these new technologies has provided tools for better decision-making with respect to the conservation of fragile built heritage. For sites vulnerable to seismic activity, such as Bagan, frequent catastrophic events have strengthened the need for proper documentation.</p> <p>A multidisciplinary team, comprised of students from Carleton University, students from Mandalay Technological University, and staff from the Department of Archaeology and Library of Bagan, conducted a documentation workshop using digital recording techniques. The team selected four Buddhist temples in the city of Bagan, Myanmar, as case studies for the documentation expedition. The strategy included using active and passive sensing techniques (Figure 1), which were used to assess the character-defining elements associated to the built heritage of the case studies. Furthermore, the strategy involved examining the state of conservation of the built heritage. Following the on-site documentation, the data collected was processed to give 2D and 3D representations of the documented sites. These representations serve as a record for future use in conservation. Additional objectives related to the documentation of the four sites were to understand the obstacles in conserving built heritage with respect to the ancient city of Bagan, to expand the technical knowledge of the local staff and the future professionals, and to examine the values and limitations of the recording techniques employed.</p>

Abstract. This contribution offers insights into delivering a Historic Site Recording course entirely over the Internet using video conferencing and sharing tools. The opportunities and challenges will be described, and the approaches used to ensure meeting realistic learning outcomes by offering a meaningful student experience will provide digital tools and cloud services. The classroom was staged at the students’ homes. Immediate surroundings of their countries in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico), and the teachers were based in Santiago (Chile), Ibague (Colombia), Barcelona (Spain), and Ottawa (Canada) and video conferencing, collaboration tools and social media made the connections. Two introductory courses for 13 weeks were delivered, followed by an advanced course in heritage recording tools. At the end of the introductory course, students provided a heritage recording proposal for a site in their own countries.