Photogrammetry and LiDAR: New Tools for Restoring Indian Monuments

Conservation architects R. Maniyarasan and Sakthi Murugan are using photogrammetry and LiDAR to digitally document and restore heritage structures in India. These technologies create precise 3D models, enabling accurate reconstruction and monitoring of decay. The architects have applied these methods to several projects, including temples and colonial-era buildings, capturing millions of data points to guide restoration without physical contact. The approach minimizes damage to fragile surfaces and provides a permanent digital record for future conservation. The work highlights a shift from traditional manual surveying to high-tech preservation, though challenges remain in cost and expertise. The architects emphasize that digital tools complement, not replace, traditional craftsmanship.