Spatial Analysis and 3d Mapping Historic Landscapes—Implications of Adopting an Integrated Approach in Simulation and Visualization of Landscapes

Abstract

AbstractThe present study involves a spatial analysis of three historical structures in Badami (Karnataka, India) that has been conducted. The paper outlines an integrated approach that has been adopted to visualize the landscape and study the unique topography of this region. The work presented in this paper is about the various tools and techniques in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) used to generate the 3-dimensional landscape models using stereoscopic space imagery like high-resolution CARTOSAT-1 imagery to generate the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the landscape. GIS tools, which are used to generate terrain models, and the use of other modelling software like Agisoft Metashape, Google Sketchup, and AutoCAD, to generate 3D architectural models of heritage structures, helped achieve the desired results of a combined landscape model with architectural models embedded in it. This paper aims to study the different approaches and methodologies in geospatial analysis, particularly the 3D visualization of heritage landscapes. These methods were applied for different scales of built forms, which helped effective 3D visualization of certain sites. The results obtained from this study were then deployed to assess the landscape and study the geographical context of its natural setting while reviewing the opportunities and challenges that come with it. The outcome of this paper would benefit disciplines related to heritage studies, such as archaeology, architecture, urban planning, engineering, heritage conservation and management. Furthermore, the modelling techniques adopted can be used for data acquisition and documentation of heritage sites. Therefore, this study would contribute to the knowledge base on conserving historical landscapes and preserving heritage sites.KeywordsBadami3d modellingSpatial analysisPhotogrammetry