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DOCUMENTATION AND VISUALIZATION OF HISTORICAL CITY CENTERS:
A MULTI-SENSOR APPROACH FOR A NEW TECHNOLOGICAL PARADIGM
P. Patias, G. Karapostolou, P. Simeonidis
Department of Cadastre, Photogrammetry and Cartography, The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
patias@topo.auth.gr
WG V/4
KEY WORDS: Heritage documentation, Visualization, 3D modelling, Information management
ABSTRACT :
The development and functionality of a 3D modelling, visualization and Information management system for the historic center of
Thessaloniki is presented.
The main idea is the use of both aerial and close-range imaging for constructing Digital Elevation Model, Digital Surface Model (that
is building hights), 3D drapping of orthophoto, 3D recontructions of the historically important buildings of the city center, close-
range images of building facades, rectification and drapping on those images on the facades, and video sequence of both real and
virtual "historic walks".
Control points are extracted from the aerial images and used in facade reconstructions. Additionaly, databases are constructed with
historical information about the buildings. These databases are linked with the 3D graphic files into an Internet-based Information
System. Real examples are given from the historical center of Thessaloniki, where more than 200 buildings have already been
documented and inserted into the system for GIS exploration and visualization.
1. RATIONALE, MOTIVATION AND AIM
According to the ICOMOS report on “Principles for the
Recording of Monuments, Groups of Buildings and Sites”
[URL1] : "As the cultural heritage is a unique expression of
human achievement; and as this cultural heritage is
continuously at risk; and as recording is one of the principal
ways available to give meaning, understanding, definition and
recognition of the values of the cultural heritage; and as the
responsibility for conserving and maintaining the cultural
heritage rests not only with the owners but also with
conservation specialists and the professionals, managers,
politicians and administrators working at all levels of
government, and with the public; and as article 16 of the
Charter of Venice requires, it is essential that responsible
organizations and individuals record the nature of the cultural
heritage."
While, article 16 of the Venice Charter [URL2] requires that "In
all works of preservation, restoration or excavation, there
should always be precise documentation in the form of
analytical and critical reports, illustrated with drawings and
photographs. Every stage of the work of clearing,
consolidation, rearrangement and integration, as well as
technical and formal features identified during the course of the
work, should be included. This record should be placed in the
archives of a public institution and made available to research
workers."
Accordingly, the ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of
Historic Towns and Urban Areas [URL3] defines that the
qualities to be preserved include “...the historic character of
the town or urban area and all those material and spiritual
elements that express this character, especially:
® urban patterns as defined by lots and streets;
* relationships between buildings and green and open
Spaces;
e (he formal appearance, interior and exterior, of buildings
as defined by scale, size, style, construction, materials,
colour and decoration;
e [he relationship between the town or urban area and its
surrounding setting, both natural and man-made;
e the various functions that the town or urban area has
acquired over time.
Any threat to these qualities would compromise the authenticity
of the historic town or urban area.”
Later, the same document states "The participation and the
involvement of the residents are essential for the success of the
conservation program and should be encouraged. The
conservation of historic towns and urban areas concerns their
residents first of all.”
Therefore, the recording of the cultural heritage is essential:
e to acquire knowledge in order to advance the
understanding of cultural heritage, its values and its
evolution;
e to promote the interest and involvement of the people in
the preservation of the heritage through the dissemination
of recorded information;
e to permit informed management and control of
construction works and of all change to the cultural
heritage;
e to ensure that the maintenance and conservation of the
heritage is sensitive to its physical form, its materials,
construction, and its historical and cultural significance.
Moreover, the recording should be undertaken to an appropriate
level of detail in order to:
e provide information for the process of identification,
understanding, interpretation and presentation of the
heritage, and to promote the involvement of the public;
—393—
