A study of image quality, authenticity, and metadata characteristics of photogrammetric three-dimensional data in cultural heritage domain

Abstract

This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of digital image quality, authenticity, and metadata issues of photogrammetry as a three-dimensional (3D) digitization technique in the cultural heritage domain. Photogrammetric image data characteristics are introduced for information professionals by analyzing features leading to the high-quality, accurate and welldefined three-dimensional data. Qualitative methodology was employed based on an interpretivist approach. Both synchronous and asynchronous semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were carried out with seven professionals in the field of photogrammetry, using chat and email as data collection techniques. The findings of this study suggest that photogrammetry seems to be effective in reconstruction, preservation and visualization of cultural heritage objects because it can acquire the accurate 3D models in a cost effective way. It is shown that photogrammetry is an effective way to present a photo-realistic view for 3D architectures and artifacts. Moreover, metadata usage in the cultural heritage photogrammetric data is beginning to emerge. In photogrammetry process, image metadata can preserve the original data which is used in the process of camera calibration and consequently building the 3D model.