Crowdsource and web-published videos for 3D documentation of cultural heritage objects

Abstract Presently, the techniques of automated image-based modelling and camera technology are an efficient tool for cultural heritage documentation and preservation. One option is to use high-resolution video imaging to have 3D models of architectures, statues and monuments. Video imaging is a preferred choice when compared to still image shooting in modeling techniques because the latter needs expertise and a thorough planning. For cultural heritage documentation, crowdsourcing stock photos and images was investigated and showed some promising results. On the other hand, there is a limited number of tries to use the publicly published video imaging for the same purpose of 3D documentation. This limitation is caused by the low resolution of the published video images, the need to process a large number of video images and the effects of blur on a significant number of images. An efficient procedure is demonstrated in this case study paper to use the documentary web-published video images for 3D documentation of cultural heritage objects. Three different web-published videos with a high definition HD resolution are used to create 3D models of the Babylon Lion statue in Iraq (605 BC), the Aphrodite–Venus statue of the British Museum and the carillon tower of Virginia in USA (1926). The developed video based models show suitability for visualization, preservation, virtual museums and for mid-detailed documentation.