On how to link patrimonial information and 3D simulations: a methodology for enhanced exploitation and visualisation of architectural documentation, experimented on Kraków's historical centre

International audienceIn the field of the architectural heritage, the recent development of computer technologies has opened opportunities to achieve easier and more efficient data management, and produce better 3D simulations showing edifices at different stages of their development. Numerous scientific contributions have proven that computer tools available today can favour a better documentation, understanding and representation of architectural monuments and ensembles; and this both for research and management purposes, or for presentation to a wider public. What is more, internet-based technological solutions have come to a reasonable level of reliability, thereby opening renewed perspectives to share experiences and information on issues raised by the conservation of patrimonial sites.Yet, taking a closer look on what existing computer tools and formalisms offer when dealing with the architectural heritage shows that their relevance on this particular application field may not be optimal. E-databases and XML technologies are applied in building or site management and their documentation. In parallel, geometric modelling tools, along with photo-modelling platforms when dealing with still standing edifices, allow the construction of 3D models in which simulations of a morphology is possibl