Cathedral Surveys Using 3D Laser Scanners

3D laser scanners have been evolving and implemented in many fields. This technology is now being used to restructure old buildings to preserve their original style and restore the precious landmarks the public loves to see.

When this technology first started in the 1960s, the original use was not to restore buildings but to scan objects into 2D to view them and gather information. 3D laser scanners weren’t really adopted until the 1990s, and since then started evolving.

Famous Gothic cathedrals are being renovated with 3D scanners

Using 3D laser scanners Angers Cathedral in France has adopted the use of this technology to capture the infrastructure in hopes of restoring this famous landmark. This specific cathedral is known for its Angevin gothic style, and for streaming light that no one can compare to.

This cathedral was built in the 12th century and would take hours to analyze by humans. Not only that, an ancient building can have a lot of tiny details that may be overlooked, and things can be damaged easily without proper care.

How 3D scanners work for buildings

3D laser scanners are able to take thousands of pictures per second of a scene and collect information on the place. It can collect microscopic details that human eyes cannot pick up, as well as gather dimensions, colors, and textures. This provides accurate and precise information that would typically take a person a few hours.

By scanning an old building, they can keep original details without compromising the structure of the building. From these scans’ architectures, engineers, and other members of a team can analyze the structures to determine what the biggest priority is.

“The Ministry of Culture and France’s Architectural Review Board will be able to use it to make a diagnosis and then decide on the right course of treatment in case of damage, infiltration, erosion, or severe pathologies.” – Gaël Hamon, who is the AGP founder.

Technology is essential in preserving historical sites and objects

Researchers are focused on safeguarding history because it connects us to precise points in time. It helps create a culture and implements essential morals. As buildings and places get older, it becomes more difficult for humans to maintain them without accidentally ruining them.

3D laser scanning takes away the accidents and instead allows researchers to study a scene, test it, and remodel it with minimal destruction. Technology has changed the way we start building and renovating a site. It has also changed the way we start planning projects.

As this technology develops, more countries around the world will be adopting it. Preserving history will become easier than ever before. It could help save thousands, if not billions of dollars, as well as time. Historical places will be updated through the use of incredible technology.