UAV-Based photogrammetric documentation and 3D modeling of a historical gate: accuracy assessment and heritage preservation perspectives

Burak Can Kaya; Bilal Sönmez

UAV-Based photogrammetric documentation and 3D modeling of a historical gate: accuracy assessment and heritage preservation perspectives

Abstract

This study presents the high-resolution 3D documentation of the Ala Kapı triumphal arch, a monumental Roman structure located in the ancient city of Anavarza, using UAV-based photogrammetry. A total of 285 high-resolution images—comprising both nadir and oblique views—were acquired with a DJI Phantom 4 Pro UAV at an average altitude of 25–30 meters. Ten Ground Control Points (GCPs) and eight independent Check Points (CPs) were measured using a dual-frequency GNSS receiver linked to a CORS network to ensure centimeter-level georeferencing. The photogrammetric workflow generated a dense point cloud of approximately 48 million points and a triangulated mesh with ~9.5 million faces. Bundle adjustment yielded RMSE values of 1.9 cm (X), 2.2 cm (Y), and 2.5 cm (Z) at GCPs, while the CP-based external validation indicated a total RMSE of 2.8 cm. The final 3D model demonstrated high geometric and visual fidelity, accurately reproducing fine architectural details such as arch intrados, column capitals, and eroded surface textures. The results confirm the effectiveness of UAV-based photogrammetry for cultural heritage documentation, achieving a relative accuracy of ~1.6× the ground sampling distance (GSD ≈ 1.8 cm/pixel). The dataset and reconstruction pipeline provide a reliable foundation for restoration planning, HBIM integration, and long-term structural monitoring. Methodologically, the study also addresses common photogrammetric challenges such as occlusion, shadowing, and texture scarcity through image redundancy and controlled acquisition geometry.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Photogrametry

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Burak Can Kaya
0000-0003-2394-8390
Türkiye

Bilal Sönmez ^*
0000-0002-6293-7988
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

December 26, 2025

Publication Date

December 29, 2025

Submission Date

September 16, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 29, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 1 Number: 1

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA72UY74UP

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Kaya, B. C., & Sönmez, B. (2025). UAV-Based photogrammetric documentation and 3D modeling of a historical gate: accuracy assessment and heritage preservation perspectives. Mediterranean Journal of Engineering and Scientific Research, 1(1), 11-20. https://izlik.org/JA72UY74UP