3D Documentation of the Caliphal Bridge of Carcabuey
Digitalization of the Caliphal Bridge of Carcabuey using 3D laser scanning, generating a high-precision point cloud, high-resolution orthophotos and a detailed 3D model to support its conservation and heritage documentation.
3D Documentation of the Caliphal Bridge of Carcabuey
Carcabuey, Córdoba, Spain
3D Laser Scanning and Heritage Documentation
3D Laser Scanner, Point Cloud, Orthophotography and 3D Mesh
Point cloud, high-resolution orthophotos and 3D model
Heritage conservation, restoration and structural analysis
The challenge
Built in the 10th century and officially listed as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC), the Caliphal Bridge of Carcabuey showed significant signs of deterioration, making accurate documentation essential before any conservation work could begin. The primary objective was to capture its current condition with maximum precision, creating a reliable technical foundation for future restoration and preservation projects.
Beyond recording its geometry, it was crucial to obtain detailed information about every structural and architectural element without carrying out invasive interventions, ensuring the preservation of one of the most important examples of Andalusian Islamic heritage.
The process
To produce a complete digital representation of the bridge, a reality capture methodology based on 3D laser scanning technology was implemented, enabling the creation of highly accurate technical documentation within a short timeframe.
Survey Planning
A preliminary site inspection was carried out to determine the optimal scan locations and ensure complete coverage of the bridge and all of its architectural features.
3D Laser Scanning
The bridge was surveyed using a colour 3D laser scanner, capturing millions of points that accurately reproduce both the geometry and the current state of conservation of the monument.
Point Cloud Processing
The captured data was registered and processed to generate a dense point cloud, removing unwanted noise and organising the information for further analysis and modelling.
Orthophoto Generation
Using the point cloud as a reference, high-resolution metric orthophotos were produced for each section of the bridge, facilitating the analysis of structural defects, construction materials and architectural details.
3D Model Development
As the final stage of the project, a detailed 3D mesh model was created, accurately reproducing the monument and complementing the technical documentation generated during the survey process.
Project Gallery
The results
The project delivered a complete and highly accurate digital record of the Caliphal Bridge of Carcabuey, providing a valuable technical resource for future conservation, restoration and heritage management projects. The combination of the point cloud, orthophotos and 3D model offers a faithful representation of the monument’s current condition, enabling detailed analysis of each of its structural and architectural elements.
Thanks to this digitalization process, technical teams now have access to precise metric information for planning interventions, assessing the bridge’s conservation status and ensuring the long-term digital preservation of one of Andalusia’s most representative Caliphal bridges. This comprehensive documentation also reduces fieldwork time and improves decision-making in future restoration projects.