Virtual Reconstruction in 3D Documentation of Built Cultural Heritage

Abstract

The documentation process is considered one of the most important procedures in preserving the built cultural heritage. Studies have proven that there are many ancient architectural structures that are constantly deteriorating or disappearing, so it is important to document them correctly and accurately to preserve them for future generations. In recent decades, the field of architectural documentation has witnessed great developments. The use of innovative technologies has contributed to the development of the role of virtual architecture in preserving archaeological heritage. Virtual 3D reconstruction models have become the future of representing the archaeological heritage, whether existing or even vanished. Therefore, the research aims to study the concept of virtual three-dimensional reconstruction and the steps to create virtual three-dimensional scenes, and what are the possibilities of its application in the field of documentation of architectural heritage. The research showed that virtual reconstructions have many possibilities in the field of digital documentation and present it to the public in a way that can be roamed and interacted with. But on the other hand, it also has some challenges, the most important of which is the high cost, it needs computer and software experts and there are many people in the community who are not familiar enough with how to use the interactive tools of virtual reconstruction.