Preservation of Archeological Sites Using 3D-Scanning Documentation Case Study: Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Conservation and preservation of archeological heritage buildings in 21st century is still a challenge. Pollution, weather changes, human activities and natural disasters have created a huge threat in survival of archeological heritage buildings. Preservation of historical buildings, monuments as well paintings of the cultural heritage are receiving increasing attention worldwide. Nowadays archeologists and scientists are using latest digital technologies for scientific analysis and 3D documentation. Portable instruments and combination of noninvasive spectroscopic techniques will be used to gather data needed to develop strategies for better and detailed artwork preservation of the cultural heritage. 3D scanning will produce accurate and detailed CAD documentation, point clouds visualization, High resolution orthoimagers and virtual walks. Sri Dalada Maligawa - the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - is one of the most important pilgrim sites in Buddhist culture. It is the main part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sacred City of Kandy. Since the end of the 17th century, the temple has been keeping the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Until now an accurate documentation of the temple with all its rich decorations is missing. The Temple is built in an area vulnerable to environmental factors like earthquakes or monsoon rains and was the target of terrorist attacks. To help preserving this important cultural heritage, a research project was carried out. Main part of the project was a 3D-documentation of the entire temple by using Terrestrial-Laser-Scanning (TLS) and the creating of CAD-Plans. In addition to the documentation of the architecture, several details were taken in high resolution by Structured-Light-Scanning (SLS).