IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE ESCÁNER 3D Y FOTOGRAMETRÍA DIGITAL PARA LA DOCUMENTACIÓN DE LA IGLESIA DE LA MERCED DE PANAMÁ.

The process of writing a report about the captured data and the graphic documentation is an essential part of the study and intervention in built heritage. This is not only due to the need for describing the architectural form, but also to accurately measure the geometry, size and, especially, the formal alterations which may affect the building. In this regard, the laser and digital photogrammetric technology used in the data capture process has the following benefits: • It is an essential source of information when it comes to assessing structural deformation and all the pathologies that affect the building structures, thanks to the accuracy and endless possibilities of digitally processing the captured data. • By digitally processing the information we can build solid digital models, which allow us to elaborate intervention proposals and operating theories. The project carried out in La Merced Church, Panama, complemented and provided graphic and geometric support to the study on characterization and strength of materials performed by the experts from AIDICO (Construction Technology Institute, Valencia, Spain) about the structural condition of the building. The work also describes the methodology used on the geometric data capture, the resolution of the difficulties encountered during the process, as well as the development of virtual models of the temple's structure and historical façade, which are reference documents for planning the construction project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]