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Exploring the Applications of Photogrammetry and Drones for Historical Preservation

Updated: Mar 8, 2023

Welcome to our blog post on the exciting topic of using photogrammetry and drones for historic preservation! As technology advances, new tools, and techniques are available to preserve and document our history. One such innovative method is photogrammetry and drones to create highly accurate 3D models of historical sites and structures. This post will delve into photogrammetry and drones and explore how these technologies are being utilized in historic preservation. We'll cover the benefits of photogrammetry and drones and provide examples of successful projects that have employed these tools. So please sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the exciting world of photogrammetry and drones in historic preservation.




Photogrammetry is the science of making precise measurements from photographs, and it has been used in various fields, including surveying, mapping, and engineering. With the advent of drones, photogrammetry has become an even more powerful tool for capturing and analyzing data from the air.


Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can take hundreds or even thousands of photos of a site from different angles, which can then be used to create a 3D model of the area.


One of the significant benefits of using photogrammetry and drones for historic preservation is that it allows for creating highly accurate and detailed models of historical sites. These models can be used for various purposes, such as creating virtual tours or simulations, conducting structural analyses, or simply providing a more comprehensive record of a site's appearance and condition.



In addition to providing detailed data, photogrammetry, and drones can also be used to document sites that are otherwise difficult or impossible to access. For example, drones can capture images of ruins or structures located in remote or inaccessible areas that are too fragile or unsafe for human inspection. This can be particularly useful for preserving sites at risk of being lost or damaged due to natural disasters, development, or other threats.


There are numerous examples of successful projects that have utilized photogrammetry and drones in the field of historic preservation. One notable example is using drones to document and preserve the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria, severely damaged during the civil war. Drones were used to capture images of the city's ruins and create detailed 3D models that allowed researchers and archaeologists to study the site in greater detail.


Other projects have used photogrammetry and drones to document and preserve sites such as ancient temples, castles, churches, and more modern structures like lighthouses and bridges. In each case, these tools have created accurate and detailed models that provide valuable information about the site's history and condition.


In conclusion, photogrammetry and drones are powerful tools that are revolutionizing the field of historic preservation. These technologies allow for the creation of highly accurate and detailed models of historical sites. They can be used to document and preserve areas that are otherwise difficult or impossible to access. Whether you are a historian, archaeologist, or simply someone interested in preserving the past, the use of photogrammetry and drones is an exciting and promising development that will have a significant impact on the field.


At Oversight, we use Skydio drones. They allow us to capture high-quality aerial footage and create accurate 3D models of historical sites and structures, which can be used for documentation, analysis, and preservation efforts. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our services, please don't hesitate to contact us.







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