On the Use of Laser Scanner and Photogrammetry for the Global Digitization of the Medieval Walls of Avila

The new technologies are playing a main role in the preservation and restoration of the architectural heritage. In this paper, a digitization of the walls of Avila process, by means of laser and photogrammetric technologies, is described. This process includes the acquisition of data, the processing and integration of both data sets and finally, the generation of a photographic texture model of the wall. More specifically, a terrestrial – time of flight – scanner laser is used besides a low cost aerial imaging device attached to a captive blimp. In this way, two earth technologies are integrated successfully while attaining, for the first time, a global digitization of this World Heritage monument.