Architectural and Structural Modelling for the Conservation of Cathedrals

Accurate documentation and study of architectural heritage is the first essential step in the design and implementation of effective conservation strategies. This paper presents a methodology for the survey and retrieval of information concerning cathedrals, as applied to the scissors arches and central tower of Wells Cathedral. The survey makes use of advanced technological tools, such as electronic distance measurement and close-range photogrammetry, together with direct inspection techniques on relevant parts of the structure. The survey data is stored electronically and used to build an updateable detailed three- dimensional (3-D) computer model, to be used for conservation monitoring. This model is integrated into an object-oriented hierarchical database, used as an interactive logbook for future conservation management of the Cathedral central crossing. The paper discusses the relevance of this work within the current trends in conservation, highlights the reason for choosing the central crossing of Wells Cathedral, and presents the methodology followed for the development of the 3-D model.