Assessment of Architectural Heritage and Historic Structures Through Aerial Thermography

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to verify the applicability of aerial thermography as a complement to common inspections in the heritage field, assessing what it can contribute as a complement to such exclusively visual inspections. Theoretical Framework: The contribution of terrestrial thermography and aerial thermography to the heritage field is briefly presented, justifying the limitations of terrestrial thermography and the advantages of aerial thermography. Method: Within the framework of this research, the inspection was carried out, with a drone with a thermographic camera, on three unique elements of great heritage relevance, previously visually inspected by a drone with a photographic camera: the Roman Bridge of Alcántara, the Aqueduct of Segovia and the Roman Bridge of Alconétar. Results and Discussion: The results obtained in the inspections carried out allow us to draw the first conclusions on the applicability of this technology to architectural heritage: the inspections will demonstrate the usefulness of thermography for the diagnosis of lesions on stone that do not occur at a superficial level. . Implications of the Research: The usefulness of thermography for the diagnosis of lesions on stone that do not occur at a superficial level and that, when they appear on the surface, are already at an advanced stage of development inside the element. Early detection of such lesions can be key when trying to adopt early therapies that are less aggressive and costly, thus avoiding further damage to the constituent elements of the monument to be protected. Originality/Value: This study contributes to verifying the use of microtechnology tools that speed up the control and monitoring processes of damaging phenomena, eliminating the risks to the safety and health of workers and considerably reducing the risks to the architectural monument to be inspected.