The project presented here is addressed to the documentation, the investigation of architectural values and their valorization through an application of Augmented Reality technologies enhanced by an AI based tracking application of the Sanctuary Basilica Madonna dei Sette Dolori (BVMA: Beata Vergine Maria Addolorata) in Pescara. The workflow foresees the use of the numerous images taken for the phases of photogrammetric acquisition of the artefact and images taken from the visualizations of the cloud of laser scanner points in order to carry out the “education” phase of the AI software (so that the program can store the greatest number of images for a self interpretative reconstruction of the geometries). The AI data will then be used as a tracking structure for the AR overlay of the digital model on real space, all through a webXR application usable from any device (HMD, desktop or mobile).
Prosthetic Visualizations for a Smart Heritage
The development of ICT has favoured the spread of real–time, pervasive and ubiquitous applications. In particular, VR and AR visualizations allow a close interrelation between people, data, environments and objects. Consequently, it is possible to enrich cultural heritage with information by visually superimposing multimedia content, in absolute respect of their physical consistency. In this way, it is possible to create a ‘smart heritage’ dimension that combines the potential of the ‘Phygital’ with the protection and enhance-ment of assets often characterized by important elements of fragility. An important role is played by AI applications, which automatically direct the processes of ‘Interpretation’ and ‘Presentation’ of the heritage. Based on the experience of the 3D reconstruction of the no longer existing Baroque configuration of the Basilica of Collemaggio in L’Aquila, aim of the paper is a theoretical–methodological reflection on the concept of VR / AR / MR for cultural heritage.
Visual Programming for a Machine Semi-Automatic Process of HBIM Models Geometric Evaluation
The topic of the relationship between digital restitutive model and measurement can find important development possibilities in machine procedures, in particular in the Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) field. In fact, BIM uses parameterized and pre-defined objects in special 3D libraries articulated according to the architectural components, not corresponding to ideal configurations. Moreover, BIM platforms are limited in modeling deformations, damages, and degradations. The paper investigates the advantages of using visual programming to increase the possibilities given by the BIM software, born for new buildings, by carrying out a semi-automatic assessment of the geometric reliability directly in the BIM environment. In particular, the algorithm compares model’s shapes with the cast of the artifact given by the point cloud, and declares it, by automatically filling a dedicated reliability parameter linked to the BIM model element.
A Proposal of Integration of Point Cloud Semantization and VPL for Architectural Heritage Parametric Modeling
Current architectural survey processes utilize point clouds generated by laser scanning and digital photogrammetry. Increasingly, these surveys produce 3D models, particularly parametric models, in what is known as the “scan to 3D model” or “scan to BIM” process. However, the phases of analysis and classification of architectural elements, segmentation and semantization of point clouds, and semi-automatic modeling remain complex and labor-intensive and require an active role commitment of the scholar or modeler. These steps are usually performed manually, resulting in high subjectivity and low reproducibility. This paper proposes a reproducible workflow that automatically segments point clouds, identifies geometric shapes by comparing them with a library of ideal geometries, and extracts necessary points for modeling through mathematical analysis. The extracted information is then processed using a visual programming algorithm, imported into the VPL environment, and used for automated modeling. Initial results from an ongoing experiment on the automated modeling of vaults using point clouds from surveys are presented.