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

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.