A 3D Information System for the Digital Preservation of Historical Architecture

The purpose of this study is to build 3D models for the digital preservation of Chinese architecture. A historical architecture, the main hall of the Pao-An Temple, was scanned with a long-range 3D laser scanner. This temple is 19.68 meters wide, 18.2 meters wide, and 15.7 meters high. In total, the exterior and interior were registered into 1958 scans in order to cover the main hall. Scanned point clouds were converted into 3D computer models, sections, and boundary projections. Digital models were used as references for chronological records and comparison. Scanned components included the roof ridge, wood structure, dragon column, and a hanging flower. This research, which was sponsored by the National Science Council, created a two-way construction process, integrated geometric and image data, and established a digital reservation work process. Web pages were made to display 3D color components by using a plug-in to enable browsing of large files