Work

Digital restoration and feature recognition of a Qing-Dynasty vernacular dwelling based on multimodal data fusion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study addresses the urgent challenge of digitally preserving severely damaged vernacular architecture that lacks complete historical documentation. Taking the Dan Tao's Former Residence, a Qing Dynasty dwelling in the Jingchu region, as a case study, we propose a reproducible multimodal framework for reverse restoration. The approach integrates SLAM-based laser scanning, UAV photogrammetry, historical documentary evidence, analogy-driven HBIM construction, and knowledge-graph visualization. By bridging the semantic gaps between material remains, images, and textual records, the workflow enables high-fidelity digital modeling of complex components while decoding cultural features at multiple scales. Results demonstrate that the framework overcomes limitations of insufficient point-cloud density and missing documentation, achieving accurate 3D restoration of degraded structures and establishing a scalable cultural feature recognition system for Jingchu vernacular architecture. This research provides both methodological innovation and practical tools for conservation, offering a transferable paradigm for safeguarding endangered architectural heritage worldwide.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-31544-7

Authors: Xiaotang Xia, Zhihan Chen, Yulin Xu

Institution: Wuhan University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage

Subfield: Geology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690

Funder: Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China