3D Thermal-Photogrammetric Modeling with an Integrated Digital Platform for Heritage Preservation

Abstract. Nowadays, digital technologies are a fundamental component of cultural heritage conservation, providing accurate data for informed intervention. The growing complexity of conservation requires the integration of data from multiple sources to fully understand the condition of an asset. This research explores the combination of photogrammetry and thermography as a high-performance non-destructive diagnostic tool. The integration of these data sets enables accurate spatial mapping of thermal defects within a 3D environment, providing a more in-depth view of structural health than standalone methods. This combined process is particularly applicable to assessing material conditions, inspecting subsurface defects, and gaining a better understanding of structures. This study proposes a workflow designed to accelerate and simplify the integration of these techniques. The main objective is to generate a single informative point cloud that can be published on an interactive online platform for greater accessibility and analysis. The methodology was applied to a case study within the Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Specifically, the research focused on the bathroom of the Royal Apartments to investigate significant cracks identified on the decorated walls. Thanks to advances in automation in 3D thermographic modelling, this research provides a more efficient framework for interpreting the condition of cultural heritage and supporting long-term conservation strategies.