Virtual media for heritage

The objective of this subject is to provide the student the ability to obtain point clouds, three-dimensional models and orthophotos, using low-cost, near-object terrestrial photogrammetry techniques by carrying out and analyzing case studies.

The following contents are planed for this course:

3D Modeling Techniques from images.
Cameras. Calibration. Field work. 3x3 rules. Photogrammetric grid design.
Special camera support devices.
Results. Discrete point models and high point density clouds. Precision and accuracy. Evaluation of the metric and visual quality of the final model.
Photogrammetric software. Visualization software.
Fields of application in cultural heritage. Case studies.
Generation 3D model of a simple object.


Those contents will be developed in accordance with the following structure:

Theoretical knowledge (4 classroom hours)

1.- 3D modeling of objects. Free Software (1 classroom hour)

Introduction. Obtaining 3D models. Equipment. Processing. Web services for model diffusion. 3D Printing. Virtual Tours.

2.- Close-range photogrammetry (2 classroom hours)

3D modeling techniques from images. Cameras. Camera calibration. Support devices and auxiliary material, Software, Topographic equipment. Planning of field work. Design of the network of support points. Obtaining field images. Basic methodology. Discrete point models and high point density clouds. Evaluation of the metric and visual quality of the final model. Precision and accuracy.

3.- Case studies. Free software and commercial software (1 classroom hour)

Applications. Study of real cases. Popular architecture. Urban architecture. Heritage. Archeology. Virtual vision



Practical activities (3 classroom hours)

I.- Practices with free software. Capture photos with mobile phone

1.- Creation of a 3D model of a simple object.
2.- Selection and scanning of a 3D object. Uploading the model to SketchFab.
3.- Scale, measure and improve the quality of measurement. (1 classroom hour)

II.- Practices with commercial software.

4.- Creation of a 3D model of an object with proprietary software (0.5 classrom hours)
5.- Photogrammetric work of a big element or façade.

III.- Recapitulating session.

6.- Selection of objects, of scene, using of fotogrametric softwares, evaluating of the achieved quality of the 3D models (0.5 classroom hours).

IV.- Presentation of the Final work (1 classroom hour)

Basic bibliography

- Martínez Rodríguez, S.; Ortiz Sanz, J.; Gil Docampo, M.L.; Rego Sanmartín, M. T. Casos prácticos de modelado 3D de precisión a partir de fotografías. Ed. Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. ISBN 978-84-15876-85-4. 2014. 128 pp.
- J. Ortiz-Sanz, M. Gil-Docampo, T. Rego-Sanmartín, M. Arza-García, G. Tucci. A PBeL for training non-experts in mobile-based photogrammetry and accurate 3-D recording of small-size/non-complex objects. Measurement (178) 2021.

Complementary bibliography

- Almagro, A. “Simplified methods in Architectural Photogrammetry”. XIV CIPA International Symposium, Delphi, Greece. 1991.
- Almagro, A. “Simple Methods of Photogrammetry - Easy and Fast”. XVIII International Symposium of CIPA, Postdam, Germany. 2001.
- Lodeiro Pérez, J.M. “Aplicaciones de la topografía en la documentación arquitectónica y monumental”. Edita: Colegio Oficial de Ingenieros Técnicos en Topografía, Delegación Territorial de Madrid. 1995.
- Núñez, R.; Ramil, L.; Gil M. "Statistical comparison of photogrammetry close range equipments at low cost "CIPA 2005 XX International Symposium. Proceedings CIPA 2005 XX International Symposium.Torino, Italia.2005. http://cipa.icomos.org/text%20files/TURIN/481.pdf
- Ortiz, J.; Gil, M.L.; Martínez, S.; Rego, T.; Meijide, G. “A simple methodology for recording petroglyphs using low-cost digital image correlation photogrammetry and consumer-grade digital cameras”. Journal of Archaeological Science. V.37, 3158-3169. 2010.
- Ortiz, J.; Núñez, R.; Rego, T. "Use of volumetric targets to improve accuracy in architectural photogrammetry at low cost "CIPA 2005 XX International Symposium. Proceedings CIPA 2005 XX International Symposium.Torino, Italia.2005. http://cipa.icomos.org/text%20files/TURIN
/485.pdf
- Ortiz, J.; Gil, M.; Rego, T.; López, A. “Documentación métrica de las construcciones rurales tradicionales. Caso particular del levantamiento de molinos harineros ”X Congreso Internacional Conjunto XXI INGEGRAF – XVII ADM. Proceedings Caminando desde la idea hacia las alternativas del diseño. ISBN 978-84-96351-54-7; ISBN CD-ROM: 978-84-96351-57-8, D.L. LU-122-09. Lugo, España. 2009.
- Waldhäusl, P., Ogleby, C. “3-by-3- rules for simple photogrammetric documentation of architecture”. In: J.G.Fryer (editor): Close range techniques and machine vision. Proceedings of the symposium of Commission V of ISPRS in Melbourne, Australia, 1-4 march 1994. IAPRS XXX/5, 1994, 426. 1994.

Basic skills

CB7 - The students should know how to apply the acquired knowledge and their ability to solve problems in new or little-known environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study.


General skills

CB1 - Ability to efficiently manage information from different sources for the production of cultural knowledge.
CB4 - Acquisition of skills and work habits that enable self-learning and promote continuous training (education throughout life, according to UNESCO guidelines) .


Specific skills

CE1 - Knowledge of the operation of new ways of transmitting information, accessing it and acquiring it.
CE19 - Knowledge of research methodology and practice in all areas related to the management of cultural assets.

This subject is affected by the process of extinction of the degree offer. For this reason, only students who have already done so in previous years can enrol in this subject, having the right to tutoring and assessment but not to classroom teaching.



The teaching methodology will therefore be tutorial in nature. Throughout the course, students enrolled may and must arrange tutorial sessions with the teacher to clarify any aspect of the subject and its assessment.

1st OPPORTUNITY: In this process of extinction of the offer of the degree, the evaluation will be made exclusively through the grade obtained in the final exam, in which the acquisition of the contents and competences of the subject will be assessed and will take place on the date established by the Secretary's Office of the Faculty.

2nd OPPORTUNITY: In this process of extinction of the degree offer, the evaluation will be made exclusively through the grade obtained in the final exam, in which the acquisition of the contents and competences of the subject will be assessed and will take place on the date established by the Secretary's Office of the Faculty.


For cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the "Regulations on the assessment of student academic performance and review of qualifications" shall apply.

Face-to-face activity: presentation of basic content and practical classes: 7 hours
Face-to-face activity: tutoring to guide theoretical-methodological topics: 5 hours
Face-to-face activity: evaluation activities: 3 hours
Total hours of classroom work: 15 hours


Student's personal work:

Virtual learning and personal study: 40 hours
Preparation of works: 14 hours
Preparation of the final exam: 6 hours
Total hours of the student's personal work: 60 hours

For cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the "Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión das cualificacións" "(artigo 16 da Resolución de 15/6/2011 da USC, DOG de 21/7/2011)" will apply.