Valorization of urban heritage: modeling UAV 3D data for mobile platforms

Abstract

The valorisation of the urban heritage is presently one of main topics discussed, mostly in the theme related conferences, treaties, conventions and programs. Mobile platforms (especially smartphones and tablets) may be very useful technological means for the agents in the territory. Admitting these assumptions, we created an information model for a mobile application (app) development, with a specific theme (water and city) that represents and describes architectural elements of a city. The selected architectural elements are those related with the water supply system in Lisbon built from XVIII to the XIX century. The inclusion of these elements in a mobile platform requires 3D modelling, improving the visualization and alphanumeric information access (e.g. historical) very useful to the agents (in particular to the city visitors). 3D models were created based on terrestrial and UAV surveys, considering rapid and authentic data acquisition. The stages of building the models were: i) Data acquisition (UAV - flight planning and image acquisition); ii) Data processing; iii) Data visualization (App/AR). The created models are very realistic. However, the results may differ when processing the data in different software, especially concerning the level of detail. The technical challenge is to simplify the models to use in mobile platforms and maintain the level of realism. The Communication will present a case study of 3D modelling with UAV data and their representation in an Augmented Reality environment through mobile platforms.