UAV-Based photogrammetry for cultural heritage mapping and 3D modelling of Kota Lama Duyong, Terengganu

Lam Kuok Choy, Nor Haslina Ja'afar, Mohd Iskandar Abdul Malek, Nor Zalina Harun, Alisa Abdul Wahab, Khalilah Zakariya, Aajirah Hanim, Farah Nuralissa Muhammad

Abstract


Cultural heritage buildings are increasingly exposed to environmental degradation, urban development and inadequate documentation, creating an urgent need for efficient and accurate digital preservation approaches. This study examines the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based photogrammetry for three-dimensional (3D) documentation and visualization of Kota Lama Duyong, a historically significant heritage structure located in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. UAV image acquisition was carried out using a DJI Mavic 2 Pro through automated double grid and circular flight missions to ensure sufficient image overlap and comprehensive façade coverage in a spatially constrained environment. A total of 180 aerial images were processed using Agisoft Metashape Professional, employing Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) techniques to generate sparse and dense point clouds, polygonal mesh models, textured 3D surfaces and orthoimages. The results demonstrate that UAV-based photogrammetry can produce geometrically coherent and visually detailed 3D models suitable for cultural heritage documentation, visualization and digital archiving, even under challenging site conditions. Minor geometric distortions were observed in areas affected by vegetation and infrastructural obstructions; however, the overall model quality remains adequate for heritage recording purposes. This study confirms that UAV photogrammetry represents a cost-effective, flexible and practical solution for heritage digitization and contributes region-specific empirical evidence to support the integration of UAV-derived 3D models into GIS-based cultural heritage management and conservation frameworks.

 

Keywords: GIS, heritage building, Kota Lama Duyong, photogrammetry, UAV mapping


Keywords


GIS, heritage building, Kota Lama Duyong, photogrammetry, UAV mapping

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References


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