13 CATHEDRAL COMMUNICATIONS THE BUILDING CONSERVATION DIRECTORY 2025 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1 LOOKING AHEAD Geospatial technologies are constantly evolving and as they advance their applications in heritage conservation will become even more powerful. The future of heritage documentation lies in greater integration with: Artificial intelligence (AI) for automated feature recognition and structural analysis Machine learning models that predict material decay and suggest preventative measures UAV/drone-based LiDAR and multi-sensor scanning (thermal imaging and LiDAR), allowing for faster and more detailed surveys in hard-to-reach areas. By embracing these technological advancements, heritage professionals can enhance efficiency, improve accuracy and ensure long-term sustainability in conservation work. CASE STUDY ONE: DUDLEY CASTLE The survey of Dudley Castle is a striking example of how geospatial surveying, delivered in line with Historic England’s Geospatial Survey Specifications for Cultural Heritage, can shape the future of heritage conservation. Situated in the West Midlands, the medieval castle dates to the 11th century and has undergone centuries of transformation, weathering wars, fires and decay. In recent years, conservation efforts have required a detailed and highly accurate geospatial survey to support longterm preservation. A survey control network was established across the site to help integrate different geospatial survey methods seamlessly. A topographical survey captured the existing zoo and context around the castle, and a combination of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), digital photogrammetry and topographical survey were used to create a comprehensive dataset of the castle itself. This included both a detailed 3D point cloud and a textured meshed model. Combined, this 3D visualisation was capable of digitally representing every single item of historic fabric that any future inspection may wish to view, including individual stones, mortar joints, cracks, weathering and decay areas. Beyond meeting immediate conservation needs, the geospatial survey of Dudley Castle has implications for future planning, disaster response and public engagement. Applications For structural monitoring and predictive analysis the dataset provides a baseline for any assessments, allowing conservationists to track deterioration over time. Structural engineers can compare to subsequent surveys to identify movement, erosion or new fractures. For disaster mitigation and emergency preparedness, the 3D geospatial survey data ensures that if fire, storm damage or vandalism occurs, there is an accurate record for reconstructing lost components. The dataset aids in risk assessments, allowing planners to prioritise conservation work on vulnerable areas before disasters strike. For education and research there is now a digital dataset that can be used by universities and researchers for the analysis of architectural features and material compositions. The data supports reconstructions, helping to generate predictive models of how the castle may have looked in different historical periods. The survey exemplifies how geospatial data is not just a snapshot of the present but a long-term investment in heritage management. The dataset will serve as a reference for decades, assisting future conservationists, historians and educators in their work. CASE STUDY TWO: THE SPAB OLD HOUSE PROJECT The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Old House Project serves as a perfect case study to show how geospatial surveys can provide vital insights for historic building conservation. SPAB acquired the Grade II*-listed building as a hands-on training project to showcase best conservation practices and traditional craftsmanship. The building had suffered years of neglect and was in a fragile state and densely overgrown. The survey was completed and delivered in line with Historic England’s geospatial survey specifications. Surveyors established a survey control network around the building to ensure millimetric accuracy in the dataset. A combination of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), topographical survey, underground utilities survey and thermal imaging was deployed to create a comprehensive dataset. TLS provided a detailed 3D point cloud, capturing the condition of internal and external walls, structural defects and previous alterations. The geospatial survey drawings created using the 3D survey data formed the backbone of the conservation management plan, repair plans and listed building consents, identifying areas requiring urgent repair and guiding the phased repair process. Applications Structural integrity analysis: the survey revealed distortions in the timber framework and walls, allowing engineers to assess load-bearing capacity and recommend targeted. ‘passive wall prop’ interventions. Historical fabric documentation: digitally recording the building in its pre-repair state provided an accurate 3D reference for historical analysis and future repair strategies. Building history forensics: constructing an accurate 3D model from the 3D survey data allowed analysis of the different phases of the building’s development. Beyond the immediate conservation work, the geospatial survey data of the SPAB Old House Project also serves multiple long-term functions: 1 Preventative maintenance and monitoring where the 3D survey provides a baseline for monitoring future movement, decay or A drone or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) in use at Dudley Castle: its multi-sensor scanner combines thermal imaging and LiDAR for faster and more detailed surveys in hard-to-reach areas. An orthometric image of a wall at Dudley Castle, combining data from digital photogrammetry
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzI0Mzk=