This study examines the creation of high-precision virtual copies of cultural heritage sites. Traditional architectural surveying methods do not provide the necessary speed and completeness of data, while existing digital solutions are often limited to static models that do not allow for comprehensive real-time monitoring of structures.
This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for creating digital twins based on the synergy of laser scanning technologies and heritage building information modeling. The methodological approach includes four sequential stages: field collection of geospatial data (ground-based and aerial scanning), office-based processing of point clouds, semantic modeling of elements, and the creation of an intelligent digital twin of the monument. To implement this methodology, modern hardware and a specialized software environment were used to convert discrete data into parametric objects.
The main results of the study are the development of an algorithm for creating semantically rich models that integrate information about materials, structural features, and the current condition of the monuments. The study identified the need to adhere to strict standards of metric accuracy, under which the permissible error in data alignment does not exceed 6 millimeters.
The authors confirm that digital twins are dynamic systems that enable the creation of an objective digital record of a heritage site. This allows for the effective identification of design discrepancies, restoration planning, and monitoring of deformations, which is critically important for preserving the authenticity of historical sites.
References
Akyol, G., & Avci, A. B. (2025). Digital twins in heritage conservation and visitor engagement: Comparative case studies from four historic sites. Periodica Polytechnica Architecture, 56(2–3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3311/PPar.40513
Biehichev, S. V. & Ishutina, H. S. (2023). Update of geomonitoring technologies as a factor of ensuring the safe operation of buildings and structures. Ukrainian Journal of Construction and Architecture, 4(016) https://doi.org/10.30838/J.BPSACEA.2312.290823.17.966 [in Ukrainian].
Elefante, E., Barsanti, S. G., & Manzone, A. (2025). Survey data integration for enhanced cultural heritage dissemination and analysis through Virtual Reality. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLVIII-M-9, 443–450. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-9-443-2025
ICOMOS’ documentary resources – ICOMOS. (2026). Home – ICOMOS. https://www.icomos.org/icomos-documentary-resources/
Jelenić, N., & Raznatovic, M. (2024). Geometric digital twin for conservation project: the case of the St. Basil of Ostrog church in Nikšić (Montenegro). Scientific Culture, 10(2), 81–97. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10871287
Krotenko, R. (2023). Modern technologies in the restoration of architectural monuments in Ukraine. Current Issues in the Humanities, 68(2), 22–27. https://doi.org/10.24919/2308-4863/68-2-3 [in Ukrainian].
Lazim, Z., & Hillal, A. (2025). Digitizing cultural heritage: creating the digital twin of Mosul’s Clock Church. In U. Lucke & S. Stieglitz (Eds.), INFORMATIK 2025. Gesellschaft für Informatik, 687–692. https://doi.org/10.18420/inf2025_54
Shabani, A., Skamantzari, M., Tapinaki, S., Georgopoulos, A., Plevris, V., & Kioumarsi, M. (2022). 3D simulation models for developing digital twins of heritage structures: challenges and strategies. Procedia Structural Integrity, 37, 314–320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prostr.2022.01.090
Tovbych, V., & Popovych, Y. (2023). Tools and methods of 3D scanning for creating phantom models of architectural objects. Current Problems of Architecture and Urban Planning, 67, 372–381. https://doi.org/10.32347/2077-3455.2023.67.372-381 [in Ukrainian].