Digital preservation of the Jesuitas Church in Valencia (Spain) using 3D laser scanning

Abstract

The urgent need to improve the quality in the refurbishment of historical buildings has led to the adoption of many innovative technologies. 3D laser scanning is a non-destructive technique used in the study of architectural heritage. It consists of producing millions of accurate 3D points with a very high point density in a short time. To get the complete 3D model, multiple shots must be taken from different directions that provide data from all sides of the building. These scans are integrated into a common reference system so that through a process of aligning the information obtained in all the stations, a complete model is achieved in a single file. This model faithfully reproduces the current volume of the temple, including its deformations and collapses, and provides very precise information from which to make its geometric survey. The refurbishment project of the Jesuitas Church in Valencia (Spain) has been realized thanks to the help of 3D laser scanning carried out three times during the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. The results obtained have not only served to make a very precise graphic survey but have also been applied in the necessary structural calculation.