Abstract:

The rapid development of modern digitization technologies and the more accessible application of 3D models have influenced the demand to approach the standardized procedure for the 3D digitization of cultural heritage, taking into account the real possibilities and challenges. In the field of cultural heritage, the necessity for 3D digitization is constantly increasing, as shown by numerous projects and scientific research conducted in the last two decades.
However, the standardization of 3D digitization in cultural heritage institutions is a complex process. The main challenges for the education and implementation of new technologies are financial opportunities and professional staff.

In terms of financial possibilities, the photogrammetric method for 3D digitization has numerous advantages compared to other methods (laser scanning, tactile devices, manual measurement). Photogrammetry is the relatively straightforward, low-cost method of using photographs and professional software to create a precise 3D replica of a real object.

To develop the strategy for education and implementation of photogrammetric 3D digitization, it is necessary to consider the current state and the possibilities within the cultural heritage institutions.

This research presents the part of a project entitled “Strategy Development for Standardization of Creation of Photogrammetric 3D Digital Objects of Cultural Heritage - Phase I”, which was financed by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia, within the Projects for Digitization of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Serbia for the year 2020.

The goal of the paper is to present the results of a survey, conducted among 45 cultural heritage institutions, that aims to determine the possibilities and challenges of implementing a standardized procedure for photogrammetric 3D digitization.

The first part of the questionnaire aimed to gather information about the number, size, shape, texture and accessibility of the protected cultural heritage in order to estimate how many objects can be suitable for photogrammetric surveying, and what type of photogrammetry would be the best to use. The second part is oriented towards the mapping of the technical capacities and human resources of the cultural heritage institution and their opportunities for improvement in the recent future. The third part includes an assessment of the level of knowledge of the employees in cultural heritage institutions in the field of photogrammetry; awareness of the application of photogrammetry in the field of cultural heritage; and the potential human resources for the application of photogrammetry within cultural institutions. The final part of the questionnaire is oriented toward possible future development. Different groups of questions are created to assess the preferences of the cultural heritage institutions in performing the photogrammetric digitization within their institutions or by outsourcing.

An analysis of the results of the conducted survey is performed and summaries and recommendations for standardization of the photogrammetric 3D digitization are created. The results of the study show the current state of the cultural heritage institutions in the field of 3D digitization and the possibilities for future development.

Keywords:

Photogrammetric 3D digitization, cultural heritage institutions, education, survey, research project.