Digital modelling for ancient Chinese architecture based on 3D laser scanning technology

Abstract

The spatial structure information of ancient Chinese architecture is difficult to be accurately expressed by traditional measurement methods due to the complex structural features. As a rapidly developing surveying and mapping technology in recent years, 3D laser scanning technology can realize the digital preservation of ancient architecture on a large scale rapidly. In this study, a technique of 3D digital modelling for ancient Chinese architecture based on feature contour modelling and triangular mesh modelling is proposed. On the one hand, the terrestrial laser scanner is used to obtain the point cloud data of the main structure of the architecture, and the feature contours are extracted for the reconstruction of the main structure model. On the other hand, a hand-held scanner is used to scan the complex structures such as stone carvings and wood textures on the ancient architecture and generate a fine three-dimensional model through triangular meshes, and it is then assembled with the main structure model. The results show that the accuracy of the integrated model can meet the requirements of digital modelling of ancient architecture. The proposed technique can not only reconstruct real and fine architectural models, but also preserve the complex stone carvings and wood textures, thus providing intuitive and reliable data for the digital protection of ancient buildings.