Recording and representing historic built environment through 3D GIS techniques: a case study of the Old Town of Edinburgh

Abstract

The management and protection of built heritage structures requires the accurate storage and representation of historic data to improve engagement and understanding. The use of 3D models to represent existing historic structures provides a platform for enhancing how heritage structures are protected. The spatial aspect of built structures provides an opportunity to explore how 3D GIS techniques can facilitate improved accuracy and engagement.

Interoperability between 3D models and GIS is an expanding field of research, considering how technical implementation can be improved and data formats standardised. This paper investigates how an accessible platform can be developed to represent buildings in a 3D GIS environment, creating a web-based interface for accurately recording and visualised buildings on a city-wide scale in CityGML.

The study considers available data sources as the basis for the model, setting out a workflow for future development. A user feedback study has shown that the demonstrator is a valuable approach in representing heritage data in a professionally and publicly engaging way. The visualisation of the buildings of Edinburgh’s Old Town in 3D provides a useful tool, requiring further improvement in terms of enhancing the level of detail of the buildings.