The benefits of Geospatial Surveys if you are caring for a historic place of worship
We have written this guide to help people caring for historic places of worship to understand what 3D geospatial surveys and digital scanning technologies are. Why and when and how you might use them to understand, maintain, conserve and repair churches, chapels, cathedrals and artefacts. Our hope is that this guide will help you navigate this area of technology and inform decision-making about the management and development of church buildings.
The inspiration for this guide was the Wren300 project, which took place during 2023, and celebrated the work of Sir Christopher Wren and the church rebuilding programme that followed the Great Fire of London in 1666.
What is a Geospatial Survey?
3D geospatial surveying uses laserscanners and high-resolution cameras to record and measure a church, chapel, cathedral or artefact. It involves collecting lots of digital data using techniques to capture the appearance, surface, geometric shape and size of physical objects. Once processed, this data can then be used to create accurate digital visualisations, as well as 3D replica models of your church, chapel, cathedral or artefact.
Why use Geospatial Surveying?
A Geospatial Survey is an aid to the documentation, analysis, restoration, interpretation and accessibility of historic places of worship and the cultural heritage that they contain. Thus helping us understand and conserve churches and cathedrals and communicate their value. The 3D imaging a geospatial survey produces allows us to view a cathedral in parts and to look closer into certain spaces and document the detail – from architectural features to cracks in surfaces. For heritage and conservation professionals, a 3D virtual model of a church can provide a tool to investigate a space, detect issues, consider conservation needs and plan repair programmes.
Can you do a Geospatial Survey on an artefact?
Yes, it can also provide a comprehensive and highly detailed visual representation of an artefact, capturing its form, texture, and structure in a way that words and 2D images cannot fully achieve. Traditional methods of documenting artefacts often involve written descriptions, photographs, and sketches. While these methods have their value, they can be limited in conveying the true intricacies and details of an object.
Can a Geospatial Survey do harm?
No, Geospatial surveying technologies are non-invasive and avoid potential damage to precious and fragile objects and surfaces. They do no harm and the lasers are not dangerous when used correctly.
Is a Geospatial survey what I need?
Feel free to send us a message and we'll happily talk to you about what services might be most suitable for your project.
