AIC's 44th Annual Meeting

Presenting high quality information in a usable format is the key to guiding a successful restoration project after an emergency or disaster.  We describe how 21st century photogrammetry laser scanning, drone based video coupled with web based technology, computers and internet, were used to document and guide a 1936 Texas Centennial Fair Park Bas Relief Existing Condition Assessment and Preservation Plan development in anticipation of a future restoration project. Modern methods of documentation of monumental sculptures and architectural art. These investigation and documentation methods resulted in documentation that provided better information and hence more project control, reduced equipment and manpower effort during the investigation phase.  Detailed scaled documentation would provide the bidders as well as the next generation of preservationists and owner representatives a readily accessible record on which to base restoration project in the event of a disaster.   Photogrammetric imagery used to produce blueprints with full surface texture is demonstrated.  These blueprints enhance productivity, development of work scope and project management.  High resolution photo inspections viewed interactively side-by-side online with these blueprint substitutes were used to assist in RFP development and bidder review of work scope for the project.  In a partial disaster future imagery could be paired with baseline documentation to develop work scope using the comparison viewer. We demonstrate how the documentation tools allow for close-up assessment of the original surface features on a scaled rendering.  The web based display facilitates interactive use, and “on-image” recording of forensic investigation data, e.g. drill resistance testing, ground penetrating radar, impact echo and ultrasonic graphs and data, as well as pre and post damage and post restoration comparisons.  The use of the technology to make work scope and forensic data retrievable, accessible, and understandable to the field user is illustrated.  Photogrammetric scaled photo-renderings with enhanced surface texture as CAD blueprint substitutes and high resolution photo inspection tool allowing pan and zoom capability is demonstrated to show how greater control can be established for projects, reduce bidder uncertainty, and rely less on artistic interpretation and more on original artist/architect intent in a restoration.   These tools ultimately allow for the evaluation and documentation of the conditions not possible until current development in computing and the internet, leading to a more robust conservation effort, and better longitudinal record of weathering, deterioration, and repair.
R. Alden Marshall & Associates, in association with Manassas Consulting, are leading the way in drone aerial HD video and laser documentation that will work in conjunction with the photogrammetric imagery so that surveys of Architecture Monuments and Architectural Art that were previously inaccessible without great expense can now be surveyed and documented at a more reasonable cost.