Virtual Models of Survey and Use of Religious Architecture

Abstract

The study presents the results of graphic modelling and development of digital models for on-site and remote use. The case study is the church complex of Panagia Paraportiani on the island of Mykonos in southern Greece. The religious complex, built in the 15th Century A.D., is very popular with tourists and the curious who visit the Cyclades islands during the summer season. This activity determines the need for graphic and geometric knowledge and possible remote access in order to guarantee the conservation of the asset. Graphic and iconographic documentation is poor, and the study intervened to fill the gaps in graphic knowledge through 3D modelling. The survey process involved the architectural survey using drone photogrammetric technology and subsequent modelling of the architecture. The results were collected in a digital database, which contains the knowledge phases, point clouds and digital models. The activities allow an on-site and remote fruition of the asset, through online apps, for tourists who need to visit the closed spaces.