3D Photogrammetry for Monitoring Architectural Deterioration: Insights from the Chennigaraya Temple

Abstract

To ensure the long-term viability of heritage monuments, which serve as crucial windows into past civilizations and cultural practices, advanced documentation and preservation methodologies are essential. Contemporary digital technologies, including photogrammetry and laser scanning, are instrumental in capturing minute details and producing precise three-dimensional models of invaluable cultural assets such as artifacts, architectural edifices, and entire heritage sites (Imtiaz et al. 2024) (Buldo et al. 2023). This research examines the utilization of photogrammetry as a non-destructive technique for the comprehensive documentation and condition evaluation of the Chennigaraya Temple, a significant historical edifice located in Turuvekere. The study's primary objective is to generate accurate 3D models and orthophotos that meticulously record intricate architectural features and pinpoint areas of degradation, thereby supplying critical data for conservation and restoration initiatives. This methodology is especially beneficial for cultural heritage sites globally, particularly in resource-constrained regions, offering an economical alternative to conventional surveying methods. Advances in both hardware and software, coupled with declining equipment costs, have positioned photogrammetry as a leading tool for archaeological surveying and the creation of detailed 3D models of historical artifacts and structures. This approach facilitates precise dimensional analysis and the visualization of complex geometries, which are vital for assessing structural integrity and informing conservation strategies. The increasing demand for comprehensive 3D models of historical monuments within archaeological and architectural applications underscores the need for highly detailed and dependable surface representations (Salonia et al. 2009). The paper details the process of data acquisition using close-range photogrammetry and subsequent processing to generate high-fidelity digital replicas of the temple. These digital representations not only enable a thorough condition assessment but also serve as a foundational resource for subsequent restoration projects and academic research. Furthermore, the integration of photogrammetric solutions with accurate surveying measurements permits the creation of fully functional three-dimensional models of architectural structures, which are indispensable for the protection and conservation documentation of cultural heritage