Combination of 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry and BIM modeling in Archangel Michael Holy Church in Lakatamia

The Monastery of Archangel Michael Church is located in Lakatamia, Nicosia and has a very old history. However, the only references about the Monastery are made in 1660 when it was rebuilt and therefore the date of construction is still unknown.

The monument has a very high cultural and religious value and thus it is important to remain in good condition. For this reason, restoration and maintenance studies are being conducted every some decades to preserve the church. The first and foremost step in every restoration process is the documentation of the existing situation of the structure in order to assess its condition. Geoimaging ltd was assigned to provide 3D survey services and prepare 2D architectural drawing to capture the current condition of the church.

In the documentation of historical structures, there is always a challenge when complex irregular elements exist and require drawings of high geometric accuracy. For this reason, Geoimaging ltd used the science of Laser Scanning and Photogrammetry in combination with conventional surveying in order to survey and map every detail of the church. The final deliverables were 2D elevations, cross sections, floor plans, and orthophotos of specific walls of the church.

All sides of the monument were mapped using a 3D laser scanner and for specific parts of the building photos were also captured and then ortho-rectified. The resultant planimetrically corrected images were vectorized and combined with the plans resulted from the laser scanning measurements.

The next step was to transform the point cloud data into a comprehensive Building Information Model (BIM). Every detail, both of the interior and exterior, captured through Terrestrial Laser Scanner, is accurately represented physically and with his attributes in the model.

Our BIM model includes detailed floor plans, elevations, and cross-sections, offering invaluable insights into the building’s structure and materials. This model not only serves as a crucial tool for conservation efforts but also aids architects, engineers, and builders in planning and executing renovation projects with millimeter-level accuracy.

For more information on our BIM services and how we can assist with your heritage conservation projects, please visit our website or contact us directly.