Generation and Visualization of a 3D Model to Preserve and Documentation of Cultural Heritage Environment based on Close-Range Photogrammetry

Cultural heritage documentation and 3D modeling have received significant attention in recent decades following the developments in remote sensing (RS) technologies, including photogrammetry and laser scanning technology. The value of cultural heritage is significant from historical, educational, touristic, and spiritual perspectives. All over the world, and especially in Iraq, cultural heritage is at risk due to various natural hazards, poor protection, poor maintenance, and, most importantly, human destruction. This paper describes a study that aims to create and visualize 3D models. For this purpose, this research aims to create and visualize 3D models of a historical building and its surroundings. For this purpose, the Baghdad/Iraq Technical College of Engineering Documentation Project dataset was used, which was achieved using close-range digital photogrammetry. In addition, differentially corrected images of the facades of the Baghdad/Iraq Technical College of Engineering were created. For this task, a digital (non-metric digital) Xiaomi Poco X3 camera was used to capture the images. The final model was also evaluated based on the values (horizontal distance and coordinates). Finally, an accurate and precise 3D model of the engineering building was created, with RMS values RMSX = 0.101 m, RMSY = 0.113 m, and RMSH = 0.138 m, and then displayed on Google Earth.