Alnwick Castle Keep Survey
Using the latest high definition 3D laser scanning survey techniques, over 500 million points where recorded in 4 days on site.
Digital Surveys were commissioned by the Alnwick Estates to produce a 3d model of the Alnwick Castle Keep for on going conservation work and posterity.
By using the latest LiDAR laser scanning equipment we were able to create a dimensionally accurate 3D model which could be used to document every individual stone.
By scanning the keep at a resolution of up to 3mm we were able to accurately pick out the individual stones and masonry. The laser scanner also records the reflective intensity of any material being scanned which is very useful in heritage projects to show the state of repair of the stone work.
We also recorded high resolution photographs from the exact location of the scanner. By taking the photos in this way any parallax error is reduced and the images can be draped exactly over the 3D model.
Once the model had been created with the high resolution images, we could then chop it up into the desired elevations required by the client. Using Cyclone (Leica’s Point Cloud processing software) we could then create ortho rectified tiff images of each elevation that could be dropped directly in AutoCAD to produce traditional line work.
Ben Bennett, director at Digital Surveys, says: “At Alnwick Castle, Northumberland we have been surveying the keep as part of ongoing conservation work, a project which we won after a competitive tender.
“Laser scanning opens up a host of new ways for engineers or managers to visualise a project in its true location and then collaborate with other partners to share dimensionally accurate notes.
“The potential applications for laser scanning are vast and might include creating an accurate architectural drawing, generating rich or complicated engineering plans, digitally preserving heritage sites by creating a snapshot in time, as in this case, or even carrying out virtual inspections of nuclear installations.”
Robin Smeaton, building surveyor for Northumberland Estates, Alnwick, who commissioned the survey, commented:
“We have used other surveying methods in the past for this type of work but the main keep has many shapes and changes of direction, so the driver for us as part of our conservation strategy, was to be able to produce working drawings that could be submitted to English Heritage as part of a planning application. The 3D laser scanner provided exactly the quality of image and accuracy we needed for this purpose.
“I am sure we will be able to use this system again in the future.”
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