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Surveying a historic building means to measure, to detect and to analyse its geometries, its structural elements, the connections still existing between the different parts, in order to define its state of conservation, to make structural analysis and finally to plan a proper project of conservation, consolidation and reuse. The survey represents the first necessary moment for building’s knowledge investigation. Nowadays, the wide use of tools and accurate surveying techniques makes it possible to achieve an adequate level of accuracy of information related to the buildings; BIM tools offer a great potential, in terms of both planning and evaluation of the entire knowledge and conservation process of an historical building, and in terms of its management and future maintenance. In particular, the BIM technologies allow the communication between data coming from different software, allowing a greater exchange of information between many actors. In recent years, the generative process of Building Information Modelling (BIM) oriented to the digitization of built heritage has been supported by the development of new commands modelling able to integrate the output data produced by laser scanner surveys (point clouds) in major modelling applications. Structural elements, such as vaulted historical systems, arches, decorations, architectural ornaments and wall partitions with variable cross sections, require higher levels of detail (LOD) and information (LOI) compared to the digitalization process of new buildings. Therefore, the structure of a BIM model aimed at representing existing and historical artefacts (HBIM) requires the definition of a new digital process capable of converting traditional techniques used for the management of new buildings to those suitable for creation of digital versions of historical buildings that are unique of their kind. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the ongoing researches and activities carried out on survey and HBIM model of historical buildings.

ATHENA H2020 Twinning project is a three-year duration project and its main objective is to strengthen the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) Remote Sensing Science and Geo-Environment Research Laboratory in the field of “Remote Sensing Archaeology” by creating a unique link between two internationally-leading research institutions: National Research Council of Italy (CNR) and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). Through the ATHENA project, CUT’s staff research profile and expertise will be raised while S&T capacity of the linked institutions will be enhanced. In this paper the abovementioned objectives are presented through the various activities accomplished in the first year of the project. These activities include both virtual training by experts in topics such as active remote sensing sensors and sophisticated algorithms, as well as scientific workshops dedicated to specific earth observation and cultural heritage aspects. During this first year, outreached activities have been also performed aiming to promote remote sensing and other non-destructive techniques, including geophysics, for monitoring and safeguarding archaeological heritage of Cyprus. The ATHENA center aims to serve the local community of Cyprus, but at the same time to be established in the wider area of eastern Mediterranean.

In this paper, we present the microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of alkaline nanomaterials for the preservation of cultural heritage. Calcium and barium hydroxide nanomaterials suspended in aqueous as well as alcoholic medium were applied on different samples to check their effectiveness. The effect of treatment was measured using pH value and alkaline reserve test. The alkaline reserve test results indicate improvement in the alkaline buffer with significant reduction in acidity of the papers and improvement in pH value of the surfaces. Ethanol was found as best solvent on the basis of suspension of nanoparticles, pH value and ease of application through spray gun. Accelerated ageing test revealed that the reinforcement effect of these nanomaterials persisted throughout the ageing. All the results converged in individuating these nanometric particles as an innovative, completely compatible, and efficient material for the consolidation of old and new paper surfaces.

This paper presents a complete methodology for HBIM generation based on NURBS derived from a set of point clouds. NURBS combined with profiles and anchor points allow one to model the shape of complex historical objects surveyed with laser scanning techniques. As NURBS are mathematical functions defined through mathematical vectors, they can be converted into BIM objects in order to add semantic information.

The integration of socio-economic aspects of heritage with innovative technologies for its documentation is progressively bringing the recording activities closer to heritage management and valorisation. This paper investigates the surveying and documentation phases of one of the most important monuments in Cyprus – the Monastery of St. Herakleidios in Politiko village, on the outskirts of the capital of Lefkosia. St. Herakleidios was the first Archbishop of Cyprus and his cult was very influential all throughout the island. With its frescos, St. Heraklideios church has inspired many byzantine artists that have decorated churches of Troodos Mountain, such as UNESCO protected Archangel Michael church and the church of Kalopanayotis village. This paper discusses the results of the survey conducted on the cave considered to be the tomb of St. Herakleidios and its church. New tendencies of surveying and modelling that could contribute to a better communication of heritage and to a more reflective society are discussed in the conclusion.