Graphic variables for dynamic 2D/3D documentation visualisation in the context of historical architecture
Abstract
In the field of the architectural heritage, people in charge of studying the evolution of objects face a growing mass of documentation to organise and analyse, when not to discover. Most of this documentation is not formalised, and remains often unpublished. This opens a methodological challenge : what concepts can integrate various pieces of information about architectural objects?
In parallel, 2D or 3D representation has historically been at the heart of the way edifices or sites are documented and understood. State of the art shows this simple idea is today far from being a reality. 2D graphics, with the development of SVG, have undoubtedly found a role in geo-visualisation, but they have not yet found it in architecture. In parallel, 3D scenes remain most often in relation with communications goals only. Virtual renderings, although presented as visualisations of an edifice, mask the semantics behind the scene : in no way can they be visualisations of the deeply uncertain architectural heritage data.
We have established that since the documentation relates to architectural objects, those objects can be efficient in information delivery and visualisation. In this contribution we present the principles of our research and focus on the development of graphic variables used to convey within the 3D scenes elements of information about the objects represented.
In parallel, 2D or 3D representation has historically been at the heart of the way edifices or sites are documented and understood. State of the art shows this simple idea is today far from being a reality. 2D graphics, with the development of SVG, have undoubtedly found a role in geo-visualisation, but they have not yet found it in architecture. In parallel, 3D scenes remain most often in relation with communications goals only. Virtual renderings, although presented as visualisations of an edifice, mask the semantics behind the scene : in no way can they be visualisations of the deeply uncertain architectural heritage data.
We have established that since the documentation relates to architectural objects, those objects can be efficient in information delivery and visualisation. In this contribution we present the principles of our research and focus on the development of graphic variables used to convey within the 3D scenes elements of information about the objects represented.