Courtesy of Zamani Project
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka contains ruins of an ancient garden city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. It was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. Today, the archaeological area contains the remains of several Buddhist temples, monasteries, statues, stupas, and vatadages.
The Zamani Project team, comprising five people, documented the site as well as the vatadage in nearby Medirigiriya during an eight-day field campaign in March 2019. The documentation consisted of meshed and textured 3D digital models of 16 structures based on laser-scanned data and photography, and ground plans, sections, and elevations derived from the 3D scans. Following the documentation policy of the Zamani team, ortho-images as well as panorama tours of both sites were produced.
Courtesy of Zamani Project
Courtesy of Zamani Project
Courtesy of Zamani Project
The objective of this project was the creation of digital records of these important heritage sites, with the bonus of providing data for other goals such as improved site management, future restoration and conservation interventions, and support for tourism.
Like laser scanning, photogrammetry has an advantage over mechanical survey methods in that it is contact-free, which also helps preserve these heritage sites. Photogrammetry creates permanent records for future generations, and its relevance for the preservation of tangible cultural heritage is beyond question.
Like laser scanning, photogrammetry has an advantage over mechanical survey methods in that it is contact-free, which also helps preserve these heritage sites. Photogrammetry creates permanent records for future generations, and its relevance for the preservation of tangible cultural heritage is beyond question.
Courtesy of Zamani Project
The team used extensive drone and terrestrial photography, in combination with laser scans to create high-resolution textured, meshed models. The resulting models show high detail in both geometry and color, which can be used for precise measurements without a physical visit to the site.
RealityScan was a great addition to their pipeline as it enabled them to combine photography with laser scanning, and provided them large volumes of data to work with. All of this was a significant improvement in their working pipeline.
RealityScan was a great addition to their pipeline as it enabled them to combine photography with laser scanning, and provided them large volumes of data to work with. All of this was a significant improvement in their working pipeline.
Courtesy of Zamani Project
Courtesy of Zamani Project
Equipment used in Sri Lanka included:
For example, in countries such as Myanmar, certain footwear is forbidden in religious areas, causing the team to have to walk barefoot on hot bricks outdoors in temperatures of 30-40 C (85-105 F). But the team felt that any discomfort was far outweighed by the fascinating atmosphere of these historic religious environments, and the privilege of witnessing and exploring their architectural details.
To view more of Sri Lanka's 3D models, visit Sketchfab.
About Zamani
The Zamani Research Group uses state-of-the-art technology to capture spatial data of heritage sites to create a permanent record of important monuments for restoration and conservation purposes and as a record for future generations, while developing spatial documentation methods and standards. The group further seeks to provide material for education, research, and site management and to increase international awareness of heritage. To date, the project has documented more than 250 monuments on 65 sites in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Zamani works on a non-profit basis.
- Two terrestrial laser scanners: Z&F Imager 5010x and 5016
- Hand-held laser scanner: Leica BLK360
- Global navigation satellite system (GNSS): Trimble GNSS R8 RTK (Real Time Kinematic) GPS, which gives centimeter-point accuracy in real time
- DSLR camera: Nikon D7200
- Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV): DJI Phantom 4 pro drone
For example, in countries such as Myanmar, certain footwear is forbidden in religious areas, causing the team to have to walk barefoot on hot bricks outdoors in temperatures of 30-40 C (85-105 F). But the team felt that any discomfort was far outweighed by the fascinating atmosphere of these historic religious environments, and the privilege of witnessing and exploring their architectural details.
To view more of Sri Lanka's 3D models, visit Sketchfab.
About Zamani
The Zamani Research Group uses state-of-the-art technology to capture spatial data of heritage sites to create a permanent record of important monuments for restoration and conservation purposes and as a record for future generations, while developing spatial documentation methods and standards. The group further seeks to provide material for education, research, and site management and to increase international awareness of heritage. To date, the project has documented more than 250 monuments on 65 sites in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Zamani works on a non-profit basis.
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