Track 2: Sustainability and Conservation of Built Heritage in the Americas

APT Student Scholar Abstract and Application

4 - Analyzing Digital Photogrammetry for Heritage Preservation

Presenter(s)

• 

  Rob Kesack

  Columbia University

Session Chair(s)

• 

  Olsen Jean Julien

  Director
  Quisqueya University Center

Analyzing Digital Photogrammetry for Heritage Preservation is an in-depth, experimental analysis of the technical variables which impact the photogrammetric process, as applied to the field of architectural conservation. Precisely how do variables such as camera equipment, computer software, and hardware configurations alter the potential of digital photogrammetry, as a tool, for the building conservator? Core components of this study focus on the correlation between criteria such as accessibility, time, and cost with regard to quality and practical, useful application. Given the rapidly evolving state of the digital world, often it is convenient to assume that newer and more expensive technology equates to better results. Are we currently on the verge of the next technological leap in how heritage documentation is recorded and presented digitally? Does photogrammetry hold the key to augmenting this process? The project being presented addresses these questions through experimentation utilizing a range of camera equipment (from an iPad Pro to a Medium Format DSLR), experimental in-field and post-processing workflows, popular proprietary and open-source software, and an analytical approach to understanding the resulting experimental output. Although many in the conservation community are familiar with the concept of digital photogrammetry and are perhaps even experienced with the technique, there can often be a fundamental disconnect with respect to the individuals doing the photogrammetry (and therefore choosing the equipment) and those individuals with specific expectations for output on a given project. The research also aims to present the findings in such a way that they might serve as a handbook for practitioners and clients alike when deciding on the most practical, cost-effective, and efficient approach for their needs.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the impact of factors which influence digital photogrammetry within a conservation context.
• Realize how the technology of digital photogrammetry itself can be adapted for specific conservation-related tasks and needs.
• Know the costs associated with every aspect of the digital photogrammetric process in addition to what tools and equipment are necessary for a given conservation project's objectives.
• Understand how their work might benefit from the use of digital photogrammetry.