A Data-driven Information Modelling Approach for Cultural Heritage

Abstract. The documentation of architectural heritage requires interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced information management. Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have enhanced cultural heritage documentation, while eXtended Reality (XR) technologies have improved accessibility and interactive engagement. However, challenges persist in data acquisition, modelling, and classification, limiting the practical implementation of comprehensive heritage information systems. 
This study introduces a data-driven information modelling framework optimized for cultural heritage, enabling the integration of 3D survey data and heterogeneous datasets. The framework supports cost-effective reuse of existing datasets by ensuring interoperability through a Broker Database and a Web Programming Interface (Web API). The system facilitates data structure abstraction, data description, geometric management, and spatial analysis, treating diverse datasets as informative layers. Allowing coregistration/ coordinate conversion of 3D models, point clouds, and spherical images in/to a unified spatial reference system, it enhances data accessibility while reducing modelling efforts. The paper illustrates the structure and features of the proposed system, focusing on its brokering role and modular framework. Two case studies demonstrate the framework’s capability and scalability: the Parma (Italy) Cathedral and the Church of Santa Maria della Steccata in Parma (Italy). The system outputs are presented through a Virtual Reality application in Unity, providing dynamic geometry visualization, data querying, and immersive exploration.