Traditional historical sites carry a rich historical heritage and profound cultural connotations, witnessing the changes of times and the evolution of civilizations. However, as time passes, many traditional ancient buildings and precious cultural relics are facing numerous challenges such as natural weathering, human destruction, and the erosion of time. To protect these valuable cultural heritages, Manifold Tech has collaborated with a well-known domestic university's tourism college to develop a complete set of easily replicable and highly efficient solutions for the surveying, archiving, and inspection of traditional ancient buildings.
The project aims to quickly and efficiently leave behind precious 3D data of traditional ancient buildings through precise on-site measurements, providing a scientific basis for their restoration and further supporting long-term monitoring and evaluation to extend their lifespan. It also helps promote traditional Chinese culture.
丨Key Points Review丨
01 / In this project, Manifold Tech's handheld scanner Manifold Pocket and aerial scanner Manifold Aero were used to simultaneously conduct rapid and comprehensive high-precision spatial data acquisition at the site of the precious traditional historical site "Xidi Hongcun," completing on-site real-time color modeling.
02 / Through Manifold Tech's efficient data post-processing platform MindCloud, spatial data post-processing and fusion of point clouds with panoramic images were further completed, enhancing data quality. With Manifold Tech's one-stop solution, the customer effectively achieved process simplification and cost reduction while increasing efficiency.
丨Project Location and Basic Introduction丨
Xidi Hongcun is located in Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. It is an outstanding representative of ancient villages in southern Anhui and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. It was also confirmed as a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction in 2011.
The Xidi scenic area has well-preserved village forms and profound cultural accumulation, representing the highest level of residential and human settlement construction in China since the Tang and Song dynasties. It is a paradigm of ancient Huizhou dwellings in China.
丨Project Requirements丨
01 / Tight schedule, heavy task
To maximize the consistency of the collected data, the project mobilized multiple collectors to work simultaneously within a one-day operation cycle. However, it is necessary to record every detail of Xidi Hongcun with high precision to support its subsequent archiving, protection, restoration, and long-term monitoring and evaluation.
02 / Fusion of multiple data types
The project requires the simultaneous collection of low-altitude data from drones, ground point cloud data, high-definition photos, and satellite data to achieve full-scale multi-source data fusion and reconstruction.
丨Project Equipment and Solutions丨
01 / Project Equipment
The complete solution for the 3D reconstruction of Xidi Hongcun was developed by Manifold Tech. The hardware includes Manifold Pocket and Manifold Aero, while data post-processing is carried out using the MindCloud and MindCloud Render platforms.
Manifold devices integrate high-precision laser scanning technology with advanced image acquisition systems, enabling rapid and accurate acquisition of 3D data information from object surfaces. Combined with the high-definition image acquisition function of a DSLR camera, they can precisely capture the surface texture of objects, providing a rich data foundation for subsequent 3D model construction.
Ground data was collected simultaneously by multiple collectors using Manifold Pocket. Meanwhile, aerial data was captured by drones and Manifold Aero to ensure no blind spots in the operation. The two solutions complement each other, achieving comprehensive synchronized data collection in a short time and with high efficiency.
02 / Project Solution
Preparation
Before formal scanning, a professional team conducted detailed planning and zoning of Xidi Hongcun. They developed corresponding scanning plans and path planning for different areas based on their characteristics and complexity, ensuring that multiple scanners can work efficiently at the same time.
Data Acquisition
Manifold devices scanned Xidi Hongcun from multiple angles and all around. During the scanning process, ground data collection was synchronized with aerial data collection.
For areas with complex structures and rich details, operators conducted focused scanning to ensure that every detail is precisely recorded. Meanwhile, the high-definition image acquisition system worked in sync to capture the texture of the scanned areas, providing material for subsequent texture mapping of the model.
Data Processing and Integration
The massive 3D data and image data collected were transmitted to the MindCloud platform for processing. With the support of the RTK-GPS module, both aerial and ground true-color point cloud data were automatically and seamlessly stitched into a complete point cloud map.
Post-processing first involves noise removal, dynamic object removal, and loop closure operations on the scanned point cloud data to enhance the precision and quality of the original data in large scenes. Then, through surface reconstruction algorithms, the point cloud model is converted into a triangular mesh model. On this basis, the captured texture images are mapped and matched with the 3D model to give it a realistic surface texture. Finally, a high-precision, highly realistic 3D data model of Xidi Hongcun is generated and delivered.
In addition to the mesh archiving format, the tourism college is more concerned about the immersive interactive experience for users. To meet this demand, Manifold Tech has newly launched the MindCloud Render software. Using 3DGS (3D Gaussian Splatting) technology, it can automatically generate a realistic 3DGS scene with just one click.
丨Project Results and Data Significance丨
01 / Digital Archiving
Through 3D reconstruction by Manifold devices, every scene and detail of Xidi Hongcun has been permanently preserved in digital form. These high-precision 3D models not only record the current state of Xidi Hongcun, providing detailed basic data for subsequent protection and research, but also allow for full-scale display in a virtual environment. People can appreciate the beauty of Xidi Hongcun without being physically present. The figure below shows the automatically generated 3D model:
02 / Regular Inspection and Protection Restoration of Cultural Relics
Cultural relics protection experts can compare 3D models from different periods to accurately measure the development and changes of weathering, peeling, and other damages to the relics. This enables them to promptly develop targeted protection and restoration plans to prevent further damage.
03 / Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvement, User-friendly
As the main designer and hardware supplier for this project, Manifold Tech not only completed the scanning and delivered high-precision 3D data models in a short time but also provided a one-stop solution, including ground data acquisition with Manifold Pocket, aerial data acquisition with Manifold Aero, and the efficient post-processing platforms MindCloud and MindCloud Render.
The one-stop solution helps customers reduce costs and increase the return on investment. It ensures the rapid delivery of high-quality results while saving customers the trouble and giving them peace of mind.
Synchronized collection of aerial and ground data;
Professionals ensure high-quality data details;
Completion of real-time modeling and efficient post-processing in a short time;
A one-stop solution that saves customers the trouble and gives them peace of mind.
Empower cultural heritage protection with technology.
Promote the positive application of technology.
Build a safe and intelligent society together.
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