Specialist survey techniques, such as photogrammetry and laser scanning, are a fundamental component of any heritage project.
Often referred to as metric or measured survey, they provide visual and metrically accurate base data for a variety of heritage applications including conservation planning, condition surveys, decay monitoring, recording, architectural analysis, archaeological investigation and site presentation.
Here you can learn about the following apects of these methods:
Recent developments in multi-image photogrammetry and machine vision have led to increased use of Structure-from-Motion (SfM) across aerial, terrestrial and close-range applications. SfM allows three-dimensional structures to be derived from two-dimensional image sequences. An application of this technique has included examining Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry of artefacts from Rievaulx Abbey as a means of recording for the English Heritage Curatorial Team at Helmsley Archaeological Store.
You can download some of these recent examples of applying SfM and laser scanning as Research Reports:
- A survey of the historic carvings at Carlisle Castle, Cumbria, using Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scans.
- Church of St Edward and the Market Place, Leek, Staffordshire: Geospatial Survey of Standing Medieval Cross.
- Examining Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry of artefacts from Rievaulx Abbey as a means of recording for the English Heritage Curatorial Team, Helmsley Archaeological Store.
Historic England has produced new technical guidance about the archaeological application of photogrammetry with particular reference to Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques. This new publication raises awareness of the issues that are commonly encountered and the many potential uses for photogrammetry across a wide variety of scales, ranging from landscapes to small objects.
This guidance covers the practical application of photogrammetry in recording cultural heritage, with particular reference to structure from motion (SfM) techniques.Learn more
Metric Survey Specifications for Cultural Heritage
To ensure metric survey data is both appropriate and 'fit for purpose', Historic England has developed a standard specification for metric survey.
Now in its third edition this document includes all metric survey techniques that are currently applied across a range of heritage applications. This includes laser scanning, multi-image photogrammetry/Structure-from-Motion (SfM), the capture of low level aerial imagery using Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) and Building Information Modelling (BIM), that are all being increasingly applied across cultural heritage professions.
The title ‘Metric Survey Specifications for Cultural Heritage’ reflects a more generic approach to specification as now used by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
There are further client guides available from The Survey Association.
A revised and updated third edition of specifications widely used by heritage professionals throughout the historic environment sector.Learn more
This publication is one of a series on archaeological field survey techniques published by Historic England. It covers the electronic total station theodolite (TST) and its use in landscape archaeology.Learn more
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BIM is a process of illustrating, in digital terms, all the elements that compose a building. It allows a project team to collaborate and create a single source of data that assists construction, estate & facilities management processes throughout the life-cycle of a building.
Within Historic England an internal BIM Special Interest Group (BIMSIG) is considering the impact of BIM across heritage through the Heritage Science Strategy. Historic England commissioned consultants Ramboll to produce a report on the application of BIM for heritage science contexts.
We have also produced guidance on developing a BIM model for historic buildings.
Geospatial Imaging Manager
Paul Bryan heads up the York-based Geospatial Imaging team that takes the corporate lead across Historic England on applying modern image and laser based survey approaches across heritage. Awarded Fellowship of the RICS in 2013 he has extensive knowledge of image based survey including photogrammetry, laser scanning, low-level aerial imaging using drones and is the Historic England lead on Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Heritage.