The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Cultural Heritage Documentation

Year 2026, Volume: 11 Issue: 2, 496 - 509

Murat Yakar , Hacı Murat Yılmaz

https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg.1801614

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have revolutionized the field of cultural heritage documentation by providing high-resolution, flexible, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional surveying methods. UAVs enable rapid acquisition of aerial imagery and three-dimensional (3D) data, supporting photogrammetric reconstruction, laser scanning, and continuous temporal monitoring of historical structures, archaeological sites, and urban heritage landscapes. This study comprehensively reviews contemporary UAV applications in cultural heritage, emphasizing case studies from Turkey that illustrate the effectiveness of UAV-based surveys in documenting architectural details, assessing material degradation, and informing conservation strategies. The research further examines the integration of UAV workflows with complementary techniques such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), close-range photogrammetry (CRP), and Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM), highlighting the advantages of hybrid data fusion for producing accurate, visually rich, and analytically robust 3D models. Key benefits, including operational efficiency, non-invasive data collection, and the ability to perform temporal monitoring, are discussed alongside inherent limitations such as environmental constraints, sensor capabilities, and data processing requirements. Finally, the study explores future prospects of UAV-based heritage documentation, including the use of multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, AI-assisted feature extraction, and cloud-based collaborative platforms, emphasizing their potential to enhance preventive conservation, structural assessment, and public engagement. Through this comprehensive review, UAV technology is demonstrated as a transformative tool that not only advances the scientific understanding and preservation of cultural heritage but also facilitates innovative visualization, virtual reconstruction, and broad societal access to historically significant sites.

Keywords

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle , Photogrammetry , Cultural Heritage , documentation , ,lidar , Terrestrial laser scanner

Kültürel Mirasların Belgelenmesinde İnsansız Hava Aracı Verilerinin Kullanımı

Abstract

Keywords

İnsansız Hava Aracı , Fotogrametri , Belgeleme , Kültürel Miras

References

• Alyilmaz, C., Yakar, M., & Yilmaz, H. M. (2010). Drawing of petroglyphs in Mongolia by close range photogrammetry. Scientific Research and Essays, 5(11), 1216-122.
• 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.
• Bakirman, T., Bayram, B., Akpinar, B., Karabulut, MF., Bayrak, O.C. ; Yigitoglu, A., Seker, D.Z., (2020). Implementation of ultra-light UAV systems for cultural heritage documentation, Journal of Cultural Heritage, 44, 174-184
• Yakar, M. (2011). Using close range photogrammetry to measure the position of inaccessible geological features. Experimental Techniques, 35(1), 54-59.
• Yılmaz, H. M., & Yakar, M. (2006). Lidar (Light Detection And Ranging) Tarama Sistemi. Yapı Teknolojileri Elektronik Dergisi, 2(2), 23-33.
• Yakar M, Yılmaz H M & Mutluoǧlu Ö (2010). Comparative evaluation of excavation volume by TLS and total topographic station based methods. Lasers in Eng,19, 331-345.
• Mesas-Carrascosa, F.J., García María, D.N., de Larriva, J.E.M. , García-Ferrer, A., (2016). An analysis of the influence of flight parameters in the generation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) orthomosaicks to survey archaeological areas Sensors, (16) , p. 1838
• Yakar, M., Alyılmaz, C., Telci, A., Baygul, E., Çolak, S., Aydın, M., ... & Yılmaz, H. M. (2009). 3D laser scanning and photogrammetric measurement of Akhan caravansaray.
• Korumaza, A. G., Korumaz, M., Dulgerlera, O. N., Karasaka, L., Yıldız, F., & Yakar, M. (2010). Evaluation of laser scanner performance in documentation of historical and architectural ruins, a case study in Konya. International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 38(5), 361-366..
• 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. (2024). Sensor technologies in unmanned aerial vehicles: types and applications. Advanced UAV, 4(1), 1-18.
• Murtiyoso, A., Grussenmeyer, P., (2017). Documentation of heritage buildings using close-range UAV images: Dense matching issues, comparison and case studies Photogramm. Rec., 32 (159), pp. 206-229
• Yakar, M., & Villi, O. (2023). İnsansız hava aracı uygulama alanları. Mersin Üniversitesi Harita Mühendisliği Kitapları.
• Manajitprasert , S., Tripathi, N.K., and Sanit Arunplod, S., (2019). Three-Dimensional (3D) Modeling of Cultural Heritage Site Using UAV Imagery: A Case Study of the Pagodas in Wat Maha That, Thailand, Applied Sciences, 9, 3960, 1-14
• Tükenmez, F., & Yakar, M. (2023). Production of road maps in highway projects by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Advanced Engineering Days (AED), 6, 94-96.
• Murtiyoso, A., Grussenmeyer, P., Koehl, M., Freville. T., (2016). Acquisition and processing experiences of close range UAV images for the 3D modeling of heritage buildings. In Proc., Euro-Mediterranean Conf. 2016, 420–431. Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
• Erenoglu, R.C., Akcay, O., Erenoglu, O. (2017). An UAS-Assisted multi-Sensor approach for 3D modeling and reconstruction of cultural heritage site. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 26, 79–90.
• 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., & Doğan, Y. (2017). Mersin Silifke Mezgit Kale Anıt Mezarı fotogrametrik rölöve alımı ve üç boyutlu modelleme çalışması. Geomatik, 2(1), 11-17. ,
• Mohammed, O., & Yakar, M. (2016). Yersel fotogrametrik yöntem ile ibadethanelerin modellenmesi. Selcuk University Journal of Engineering Sciences, 15(2), 85-95.
• Yakar, M., Ulvi, A., Yiğit, A. Y., & Alptekin, A. (2023). Discontinuity set extraction from 3D point clouds obtained by UAV Photogrammetry in a rockfall site. Survey Review, 55(392), 416-428.
• Yakar, M., Yilmaz, H. M., & Yurt, K. (2010). The effect of grid resolution in defining terrain surface. Experimental Techniques, 34(6), 23-29.
• 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).
• Ebolese, D., Lo Brutto, M., and Dardanelli, G.: UAV Survey For The Archaeologıcal Map Of Lilybaeum (Marsala, Italy), Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci., XLII-2/W11, 495–502,
• 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.
• Yakar, M., Yıldız, F., Uray, F., & Metin, A. (2010, June). Photogrammetric Measurement of The Meke Lake and Its Environment with Kite Photographs to Monitoring of Water Level to Climate Change. In ISPRS Commission V Mid-Term Symposium (pp. 613-616).
• Yakar, M., & Yildiz, F. (2005). Digital photogrammetric methods in documentation of cultural heritages and Beysehir example. In CIPA 2005 XX International Symposium (Vol. 26)..
• Villi, O., & Yakar, M. (2023). İnsansız Hava Araçları ve Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri Uygulamaları. Türkiye Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri Dergisi, 5(1), 20-33..
• Ergun, B., Sahin, C., and Bilucan F., (2023). Level of detail (LoD) geometric analysis of relief mapping employing 3D modeling via UAV images in cultural heritage studies, Heritage Science, 11,194, 2-14.
• 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.
• Yakar, M., Yilmaz, H. M. & Mutluoglu, O. (2010). Close range photogrammetry and robotic total station in volume calculation. International Journal of the Physical Sciences. 5(2), 086-096.
• 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.
• Şasi, A., & Yakar, M. (2018). Photogrammetric modelling of hasbey dar'ülhuffaz (masjid) using an unmanned aerial vehicle. International journal of engineering and geosciences, 3(1), 6-11.
• Yılmaz, H. M., Karabörk, H., & Yakar, M. (2000). Yersel fotogrametrinin kullanım alanları. Niğde Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 4(1), 1.
• 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.
• Dasari, S.,Mesapam, S., Kumarapu, K., Mandla, V. R. , ( 2021). UAV in Development of 3D Heritage Monument Model: A Case Study of Kota Gullu, Warangal, India., Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 49 (7), 1733-1737
• El-Hakim, S.F., Beraldin, J.A., Picard, M., Godin, G,. (2004).Detailed 3D reconstruction of large-scale heritage sites with integrated techniques. IEEE Comput Graph Appl. May-Jun;24(3):21-9.
• García-Molina, D.F., Trivino-Tarradas, P., López-Lago, S., Trivino-Tarradas, P., (2021). Digitalization and 3D documentation techniques applied to two pieces of visigothic sculptural heritage in merida through structured light scanning. J Comp Cult Heritage 14(4): 43:1–43:19.
• Yılmaz, H. M., Mutluoğlu, Ö., Ulvi, A., Yaman, A., & Bilgilioğlu, S. S. (2018). İnsansız hava aracı ile ortofoto üretimi ve Aksaray Üniversitesi kampüsü örneği. Geomatik, 3(2), 129-136.
• Yakar, M., & Villi, O. (2023). İnsansız hava aracı uygulama alanları. Mersin Üniversitesi Harita Mühendisliği Kitapları.
• Partama, G.D.Y., Yastika, P.E., Wijaya,M.W., (2025). 3D Modeling Using UAV Photogrammetry Technique For Digital Documentation Of Cultural Heritage buildings, International Journal of GEOMATE, Feb., 2025 Vol.28, Issue 126, pp.61-70,
• Ningsih, T. A. R., Agustiananda, P. A. P., Sholihah, A. B, (2022). Preservation of Cultural Heritage Buildings with the Adaptive Re-Use Method: A Content Analysis of Past Research. Journal of Architectural Research and Design Studies, Vol. 6, Issue 2, 61-69.
• Gil, M.L., Peña-Villasenín, S., Ana, M. S., B., Juan Ortiz-Sanz, Peraleda-Vázquez, S., (2025). 3D geometric survey of cultural heritage by UAV in inaccessible coastal or shallow aquatic environments, Archeological Prospection, (32), 19-34
• 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.
• 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., 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.
• Themistocleous, K. (2020). The use of UAVs for cultural heritage andarchaeology. In Remote sensing for archaeology and cultural landscapes (pp. 241–269). Remote Sensing for Archaeology and Cultural Landscapes, Best Practices and Perspectives Across Europe and the Middle East, Springer.
• Baranwal, E., Seth, P., Pande, H., Raghavendra, S.,. Kushwaha. S. K. P., (2019). Application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for damage assessment of a cultural heritage monument. In Proc., Int. Conf. on Unmanned Aerial System in Geomatics, 123–131. Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
• Galeazzi, F., (2017). 3D recording, documentation and management of cultural heritage. Int. J. Heritage Stud. 23 (7): 671–673