The ruins of Přimda Castle – laser documentation and a three-dimensional model of the donjon

The ruin of the Přimda castle is one of the most important examples of Romanesque castle architecture in Bohemia, but specialist research into this construction has yet to match its status. Archaeological research conducted on the site, in connection with construction work, since the 1970s has been insufficient. However, since the late 19th century the castle has sustained damage caused by interference in the site and masonry, without archaeological supervision and due heritage care. Views on the origin, form and importance of the castle have been influenced by outdated findings and appear problematic. Likewise, Přimda lacks updated documentation. This situation has triggered the revision, updating and supplementation of the castle complex documentation. The main objective was the application of various documentation methods enabling the acquisition and preservation of available information. The article presents a making of a three-dimensional (3D) model on the basis of the laser scanning of the donjon and several patches of the nearby terrain in the ruins of Přimda Castle. This constitutes a component part of documentary and prospecting works carried out since 2012. With regard to the significance of the donjon, its documentation has so far especially lacked up-to-date background information for any analysis of that landmar