Multi-Sensor 3D Survey: Aerial and Terrestrial Data Fusion and 3D Modeling Applied to a Complex Historic Architecture at Risk

Abstract

This work is inscribed into a more comprehensive project related to the architectural requalification and restoration of Frinco Castle, one of the most significant fortified medieval structures in the Monferrato area (province of Asti, Italy), that experienced a structural collapse. In particular, this manuscript focuses on data fusion of multi-sensor acquisitions of metric surveys for 3D documenting this structural-risky building. The structural collapse made the entire south front fragile. The metric survey was performed by using terrestrial and aerial sensors to reach every area of the building. Topographically oriented Terrestrial Laser Scans (TLS) data were collected for the exterior and interior of the building, along with the DJI Zenmuse L1 Airborne Laser Scans (ALS) and Zenmuse P1 Photogrammetric Point Cloud (APC). First, the internal alignment in the TLS data set was verified, followed by the intra-technique alignments, choosing TLS as the reference data set. The point clouds from each sensor were analyzed by computing voxel-based point density and roughness, then segmented, aligned, and fused. 3D acquisitions and segmentation processes were fundamental for having a complete and structured dataset of almost every outdoor and indoor area of the castle. The collected metrics data was the starting point for the modeling phase to prepare 2D and 3D outputs fundamental for the restoration process.