Karnataka’s monuments get digital makeover with 3D mapping and laser scanning

Mysuru: With a focus on preserving the future of Karnataka’s historical monuments, the State Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, in collaboration with the Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, has embarked on a project to undertake 3D mapping and laser scanning of the state’s monuments and temples.

The Department of Archaeology oversees approximately 834 monuments across the state. Of these, 125 are in the Mysuru division, 105 in the Bengaluru division, 365 in the Belagavi division, and 249 in the Kalaburagi division. Most of these monuments have already undergone 3D mapping and laser scanning, with only a few in the Mysuru and Bengaluru divisions remaining, which will be completed shortly.

Palaces, temples, forts, and other buildings are several centuries old. Due to natural wear and the passage of time, these monuments have deteriorated. The state government has implemented the Karnataka Digital Heritage Project to preserve these monuments for future generations, enabling them to witness the state’s glorious past and feel pride in Karnataka’s rich architectural heritage.

How is Scanning Done?

Using modern technology, the monuments are being 3D mapped and laser scanned. Information on the monuments’ style, measurements, foundation design, materials used (such as soil, stone, bricks, and mortar), the period and dynasty during which the monument was built, and the historical context of the surrounding area is being collected. A total of 33 primary data points are gathered and taken to a laboratory in Bengaluru for analysis, where a digital model is created.

Benefits

Just as architects use 3D modeling to show modern buildings’ prototypes, this technology will help restore monuments if they get damaged in the future. Collecting data on the original style of a monument could take months, but with this initiative, all information will be readily available. This will facilitate the renovation and revitalization of the monuments.

First in the Country

Karnataka is the first state in the country to undertake 3D mapping and laser scanning of monuments. As a pilot project, detailed AI 3D models of 10 monuments will be made available on a website for a virtual walk-through. Based on the feedback, the details of other monuments will be uploaded to the website, said A. Devaraju, Commissioner of the State Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, told Udayavani.

Translated from Kannada article by R. Veerendra Prasad