Professor Hess and Carla Ferreyra from the University of Bamberg
In 2017, the University of Bamberg launched a new master's degree, "Digital Technologies in Heritage Conservation". With the wider use of digital technologies like laser scanning and photogrammetry, it's easy to see why. Spearheaded by Professor Mona Hess, the course covers the integration and adoption of digital technologies in heritage conservation and its further development, as well as raising the profile of this research topic.
In addition to running the course, Professor Hess and her team employ their skills and expertise in the field to create 3D digital models for preservation purposes. To build knowledge of certain areas or to educate a wider audience about a new culture.
"The 3D recording is a methodological tool for the representation and interpretation of cultural heritage, landscape and architecture, to build knowledge, create meaning and make culture accessible to all."
The Scan
In 2020, Professor Hess was approached by 'Cisterscapes | Cistercian Landscapes in Central Europe' and tasked with contributing to the digital recordings of 2 gardens. The scan would focus on the baroque agricultural buildings with designed gardens; Ebracher Hof in Mainstockheim and Ebracher Hof in Oberschwappach, both properties of the Ebrach Monastery.
The scan aimed to create reliable information, assess the landscape's development status and design management plans for maintenance and conservation. Professor Hess, accompanied by Ph.D. student Carla Ferreyra, visited the sites in October 2020 to conduct the scans. With approximately 3 hectares of land to cover, the team needed a fast scanning solution that was easy to use and suitable for both indoor/outdoor capture. Professor Hess chose the ZEB Horizon mobile LiDAR scanner because of its rapid data acquisition and scanning range.
Other laser scanning techniques were considered in the planning process, however none quite provided the freedom mobile LiDAR did. The scanner reduced time and labor costs. The team was able to complete their scan of Mainstockheim (including an interior space of the baroque building) in under 3 hours.
In Oberschwappach, the total scan time was approximately 30 minutes. Their only concern during the scan was encountering the general public, however, due to the lightweight nature of the ZEB Horizon, it was easy to traverse busier parts of the garden. The scans were a success and Professor Hess delivered on her task.
The Results
The completion of the scans provides Professor Hess with fresh data that can be used in the course. Students will benefit from seeing the raw scans, extracted 2D information, plans and sections in 1:50 scale and BIM models. Finally, the scans serve to raise awareness of these historic gardens, promote a scientifically accurate recording and make the heritage accessible to all. Professor Hess is currently using the scanner and scans for research & teaching, and she has observed that a lot of her students are enthusiastic about the speed of the process.