The Use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Technology in the Documentation of Cultural Heritage

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 138 - 148

Murat Yakar , Hacı Murat Yılmaz

https://doi.org/10.58598/cuhes.1801497

Abstract

The documentation and preservation of cultural heritage sites are of paramount importance for ensuring the transmission of historical, architectural, and archaeological values to future generations. In the face of environmental degradation, urban development, and natural disasters, the need for accurate and reliable documentation methods has become increasingly vital.
This study focuses on the use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)—also referred to as Yersel Lazer Tarama (YLT)—as a modern and highly effective tool in the three-dimensional documentation and analysis of cultural heritage assets. TLS technology captures millions of spatial data points to generate dense, high-accuracy point clouds that represent the geometry and surface characteristics of structures with millimetric precision. This capability allows for the detailed measurement of structural features, detection of deformations, cracks, and material deterioration, and the creation of accurate 3D models for both conservation and educational purposes.
The paper presents a comprehensive review of the principles of TLS, including the methods used for data acquisition, point cloud processing, and surface modeling. It also investigates a range of case studies involving historical buildings, archaeological sites, and stone monuments, demonstrating the practical applications of TLS in various cultural heritage contexts. Additionally, the integration of TLS data with other technologies such as photogrammetry and UAV (drone) imaging is discussed, highlighting the potential for creating enriched, visually realistic, and geometrically accurate digital reconstructions.
In conclusion, this study underlines the critical role of terrestrial laser scanning in restoration planning, structural monitoring, and digital archiving, positioning it as a foundational technology for the preservation and sustainable management of cultural heritage in the digital age.

Keywords

3D modelling , Terrestrial laser scanning , cultural heritage , documentation

References

• Unal, M., Yakar, M., & Yildiz, F. (2004). Discontinuity surface roughness measurement techniques and the evaluation of digital photogrammetric method. In Proceedings of the 20th international congress for photogrammetry and remote sensing, ISPRS (1103), p. 1108.
• Karataş, L., Alptekin, A., Karabacak, A., & Yakar, M. (2022). Detection and documentation of stone material deterioration in historical masonry buildings using UAV photogrammetry: A case study of Mersin Sarisih Inn. Mersin Photogrammetry Journal, 4(2), 53-61.
• Yilmaz, H. M., Yakar, M., & Yildiz, F. (2008). Digital photogrammetry in obtaining of 3D model data of irregular small objects. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 37, 125-130.
• Yılmaz, H. M., & Yakar, M. (2006). Yersel lazer tarama teknolojisi. Yapı Teknolojileri Elektronik Dergisi, 2(2), 43-48.
• Yakar, M., Orhan, O., Ulvi, A., Yiğit, A. Y., & Yüzer, M. M. (2015). Sahip Ata Külliyesi Rölöve Örneği. TMMOB Harita ve Kadastro Mühendisleri Odası, 10.
• Yılmaz, H. M., & Yakar, M. (2006). Lidar (Light Detection And Ranging) tarama sistemi. Yapı Teknolojileri Elektronik Dergisi, 2(2), 23-33.
• Yakar, M., & Doğan, Y. (2017). Mersin Silifke Mezgit Kale Anıt Mezarı fotogrametrik rölöve alımı ve üç boyutlu modelleme çalışması. Geomatik, 2(1), 11-17.
• Ulvi, A., Yakar, M., Toprak, A. S., & Mutluoglu, O. (2014). Laser scanning and photogrammetric evaluation of Uzuncaburç Monumental Entrance. International Journal of Applied Mathematics Electronics and Computers, 3(1), 32-36.
• Villi, O., & Yakar, M. (2022). İnsansız hava araçlarının kullanım alanları ve sensör tipleri. Türkiye İnsansız Hava Araçları Dergisi, 4(2), 73-100.
• Villi, O., & Yakar, M. (2022). İnsansız hava araçlarının kullanım alanları ve sensör tipleri. Türkiye İnsansız Hava Araçları Dergisi, 4(2), 73-100.
• Alptekin, A., & Yakar, M. (2020). Mersin Akyar Falezi’nin 3B modeli. Türkiye Lidar Dergisi, 2(1), 5-9.
• Alptekin, A., & Yakar, M. (2020). Kaya bloklarının 3B nokta bulutunun yersel lazer tarayıcı kullanarak elde edilmesi. Türkiye Lidar Dergisi, 2(1), 1-4.
• Yakar, M., Yılmaz, H.M., Yıldız, F., Zeybek, M., Şentürk, H., & Çelik, H. (2010). Silifke-Mersin Bölgesinde Roma Dönemi eserlerinin 3 boyutlu modelleme çalışması ve animasyonu. Jeodezi ve Jeoinformasyon Dergisi, (101).
• Şenol, H. İ., Kaya, Y., Yiğit, A. Y., & Yakar, M. (2024). Extraction and geospatial analysis of the Hersek Lagoon shoreline with Sentinel-2 satellite data. Survey Review, 56(397), 367-382.
• Karataş, L., Alptekin, A., & Yakar, M. (2022). Analytical documentation of stone material deteriorations on facades with terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetric methods: Case study of Şanlıurfa Kışla Mosque. Advanced LiDAR, 2(2), 36-47.
• Kanun, E., Metin, A., & Yakar, M. (2021). Yersel lazer tarama tekniği kullanarak Ağzıkara Han’ın 3 boyutlu nokta bulutunun elde edilmesi. Türkiye Lidar Dergisi, 3(2), 58-64.
• Kanun, E., Alptekin, A., & Yakar, M. (2021). Cultural heritage modelling using UAV photogrammetric methods: A case study of Kanlıdivane archeological site. Advanced UAV, 1(1), 24-33.
• Alyilmaz, C., Alyilmaz, S., & Yakar, M. (2010). Measurement of petroglyphs (rock of arts) of Qobustan with close range photogrammetry. International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 38 (Part 5), 29-32.
• Alyilmaz, C., Alyilmaz, S., & Yakar, M. (2010). Measurement of petroglyphs (rock of arts) of Qobustan with close range photogrammetry. International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 38 (Part 5), 29-32
• Yılmaz, H. M., Karabörk, H., & Yakar, M. (2000). Yersel fotogrametrinin kullanım alanları. Niğde Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 4(1), 1.
• Yılmaz, H. M., Karabörk, H., & Yakar, M. (2000). Yersel fotogrametrinin kullanım alanları. Niğde Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 4(1), 1.
• Mohammed, O., & Yakar, M. (2016). Yersel fotogrametrik yöntem ile ibadethanelerin modellenmesi. Selcuk University Journal of Engineering Sciences, 15(2), 85-95.
• Kanun, E., Alptekin, A., & Yakar, M. (2021). Documentation of cultural heritage by photogrammetric methods: a case study of Aba's Monumental Tomb. Intercontinental Geoinformation Days, 3, 168-171
• Kanun, E., Alptekin, A., & Yakar, M. (2021). Documentation of cultural heritage by photogrammetric methods: a case study of Aba's Monumental Tomb. Intercontinental Geoinformation Days, 3, 168-171
• Karataş, L., Alptekin, A., & Yakar, M. (2022). Investigation of Molla Hari (Halil) Süleyman Paşa Mosque’s material deteriorations. Advanced Engineering Days (AED), 4, 55-57.
• Ulvi, A., Yakar, M., Alyilmaz, C., & Alyilmaz, S. (2017). Using the close range photogrammetry technique in 3-dimensional work: History of obrukhan sample. International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference: SGEM, 17, 347-355.
• Yakar, M., Yilmaz, H. M., & Mutluoglu, O. (2014). Performance of photogrammetric and terrestrial laser scanning methods in volume computing of excavtion and filling areas. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 39(1), 387-394.
• Pulat, F., Yakar, M., & Ulvi, A. (2022). Three-dimensional modeling of the Kubbe-i Hasiye Shrine with terrestrial photogrammetric method. Cultural Heritage and Science, 3(1), 6-11.
• Yakar, M., Yildiz, F., Alyilmaz, C., & Yilmaz, H. M. (2009). Photogrammetric study for Sircali Medrese Door. 9-th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2009, 879-884.
• Yakar, M., Uysal, M., Toprak, A. S., & Polat, N. (2013). 3D modeling of historical doger caravansaries by digital photogrammetry. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 40, 695-698.
• Yakar, M., Uysal, M., Toprak, A. S., & Polat, N. (2013). 3D modeling of historical doger caravansaries by digital photogrammetry. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 40, 695-698.
• Yakar, M., Alyılmaz, C., Telci, A., Baygul, E., Çolak, S., Aydın, M., & Yılmaz, H. M. (2009). 3D laser scanning and photogrammmetric measurement of Akhan caravansaray
• Karataş, L., Alptekin, A., & Yakar, M. (2022). Determination of Stone Material Deteriorations on the Facades with the Combination of Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Photogrammetric Methods: Case Study of Historical Burdur Station Premises. Advanced Geomatics, 2(2), 65-72
• Karabacak, A., & Yakar, M. (2023). Giyilebilir Mobil LiDAR’ın Kadastroda Kullanılabilirliği. Türkiye Lidar Dergisi, 5(2), 52-60.
• Khan, N. A., Carabin, G., & Mazzetto, F. (2025). Mobile Laser Scanning in Forest Inventories: Testing the Impact of Point Cloud Density on Tree Parameter Estimation. Sensors, 25(18), 5798. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25185798
• Guidi, G., Russo, M., Ercoli, S., Remondino, F., Rizzi, A., Menna, F., (2009). A multi-resolution methodology for the 3D modeling of large and complex archeological areas. Int. J. Archit. Comput.,( 7), 39–55.
• Jung, J., Yoon, S., Ju, S., Heo, J., (2015). Development of kinematic 3D laser scanning system for indoor mapping and as-built BIM using constrained SLAM. Sensors, (15), 26430–26456.
• Shafaat ,O.S., Kauhanen, H., Julin, A., Vaaja, M.T., (2025). 3D Change Detection of Urban Vegetation Using Integrated TLS and UAV Photogrammetry Point Clouds, Ieee Journal Of Selected Topıcs In Applıed Earth Observatıons And Remote SensınG, VOL. 18, 24976-24989
• Liu, J., Azhar, S., Willkens, D., and Li. B., (2023). Static terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for heritage building information modeling (HBIM): A systematic review. Virtual Worlds 2 (2): 90–114
• Karagianni, A., (2021). Terrestrial laser scanning and satellite data in cultural heritage building documentation. Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci. XLVI-M-1-2021 (Aug): 361–366
• Nazari, S. W., Akarsu, V., & Yakar, M. (2023). Analysis of 3D Laser Scanning Data of Farabi Mosque Using Various Softwaren. Advanced LiDAR, 3(1), 22-34
• Hoon, Y. J., and S. Hong. , (2019). Three-dimensional digital documentation of cultural heritage site based on the convergence of terrestrial laser scanning and unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry.” ISPRS Int. J. Geoinf. 8 (2): 53.
• Pena-Villasenín, S., Gil-Docampo, M., Ortiz-Sanz, J., (2019). Professional SfM and TLS vs a simple SfM photogrammetry for 3D modelling ofrock art and radiance scaling shading in engraving detection. Journal ofCultural Heritage, 37, 238–246.
• Gautier Q.K., Garrison T.G., Rushton, F., Bouck, N., Lo, E.,Tueller, P., Schurgers C., Kastner, R., (2020). Low-cost 3D scanning systems for cultural heritage documentation. J Cult Heritage Manage Sustain Dev 10 (4): 437–455.
• Camina, J., Javier Sánchez-Aparicio, L., Mayo, C., Gonzalez-Aguilera, D., (2022). Analysis of a SLAM-based laser scanner for the 3D digitalization of underground heritage structures. A case study in the wineries of Baltanas (Palencia, Spain). In: Furferi R et al. (Eds). The future of heritage science and technologies: ICT and digital heritage. Cham: Springer International, vol 1645, 42-56
• Vatan, M., Selbesoglu, M.O.,Bayram, B., (2009). The use of 3D laser scanning technology in preservation of historical structures Wiadomości Konserwatorskie, 26, 659-669