SURVEY AND MODELLING FOR THE BIM OF BASILICA OF SAN MARCO IN VENICE

The Basilica of San Marco is a singular case in the field of Cultural heritage, as it constitutes a construction site always active for the maintenance and preservation of the basilica itself. The continuous intervention of conservation, due to the particular environmental conditions of Venice and the opening to the public, together with the complexity of the building itself, imposes the need to identify an optimized management system. For this reason, in 2013 the Procurator of St. Marco Basilica commissioned the construction of a 3D model of the Basilica to be used for the creation of a BIM. The model must meet the required precision of the scale of 1:50, and should also include, in addition to the geometric description, a description of the mosaic and marble surfaces of the basilica through high resolution orthophoto which are essential for the restoration of the mosaics. The complexity of the church and the large and continuous flow of public led to work in non-optimal conditions especially for the acquisition stage. The basilica has certain peculiarities that led to some important choices, for example the use of photogrammetry instead of laser scanning technique. The same technique was preferred also by the need to realize, in addition to the geometric model, high-resolution orthophotos of marbles and mosaic surfaces. The modelling of the basilica has highlighted a number of problems related to the building features. The basilica, indeed, is the result of the juxtaposition of elements (capitals, columns) with different origin, which therefore cannot be standardized in special libraries. Moreover, especially in the extensive mosaic areas, there are not edges that characterize the architecture, but only beveled surfaces. This has resulted in a change also in the modeling paradigm with the need to identify alternative systems even for the construction of simple elements. Therefore, we decided to model using NURBS since it is the method that allows greater adherence to reality and, at the same time, a model with acceptable dimensions in terms of navigation and usability. Only the most sculptural pieces such as capitals and statues have been replaced by mesh models. As we were interested in different elaborations, the results of this work are a geometric NURBS model for the subsequent insertion into BIM environment, with the possibility of extracting two-dimensional drawings such as plans and sections, a mesh model with low resolution textures for online navigation and high resolution orthophotos. The survey work and modeling has been almost completed for the interior of the basilica whereas only the external remains to be acquired and modeled. For the management of the entire work it was decided to use the data organization system already used by the Politecnico di Milano for the Duomo di Milano. The BIM3DSURVEY system will be essential not only to manage the finished model, but it has been very useful also during the construction phase because it allows us to divide the entire work into more work units. However, this system required some changes to meet the peculiarity of this BIM, in particular the need to append and link the orthophotos to real surfaces, in order to use the model also as a spatial index for the images.

Download Full-text

A framework for near real-time ROM stockpile modelling to improve blending efficiency

Journal of Engineering Design and Technology ◽

10.1108/jedt-12-2020-0541 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Shi Zhao ◽

Tien-Fu Lu ◽

Larissa Statsenko ◽

Benjamin Koch ◽

Chris Garcia

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Real Time ◽

Laser Scanning ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Reference Model ◽

Geometric Model ◽

Mining Industry ◽

Management Systems ◽

Content Type ◽

Ore Grade

Purpose In the mining industry, a run-of-mine (ROM) stockpile is a temporary storage unit, but it is also widely accepted as an effective method to reduce the short-term variations of ore grade. However, tracing ore grade at ROM stockpiles accurately using most current fleet management systems is challenging, due to insufficient information available in real time. This study aims to build a three-dimensional (3D) model for ROM stockpiles continuously based on fine-grained grade information through integrating data from a number of ore grade tracking sources. Design/methodology/approach Following a literature review, a framework for a new stockpile management system is proposed. In this system, near real-time high-resolution 3D ROM stockpile models are created based on dump/load locations measured from global positioning system sensors. Each stockpile model contains a group of layers which are separated by different qualities. Findings Acquiring the geometric shapes of all the layers in a stockpile and cuts made by front wheel loaders provides a better understanding about the quality and quality distribution within a stockpile when it is stacked/reclaimed. Such a ROM stockpile model can provide information on predicating ore blend quality with high accuracy and high efficiency. Furthermore, a 3D stockyard model created based on such ROM stockpile models can help organisations optimise material flow and reduce the cost. Research limitations/implications The modelling algorithm is evaluated using a laboratory scaled stockpile at this stage. The authors expect to scan a real stockpile and create a reference model from it. Meanwhile, the geometric model cannot represent slump or collapse during reclaiming faithfully. Therefore, the model is expected to be reconcile monthly using laser scanning data. Practical implications The proposed model is currently translated to the operations at OZ Minerals. The use of such model will reduce the handling costs and improve the efficiency of existing grade management systems in the mining industry. Originality/value This study provides a solution to build a near real-time high-resolution multi-layered 3D stockpile model through using currently available information and resources. Such novel and low-cost stockpile model will improve the production rates with good output product quality control.

Download Full-text

A Novel Animation Method Based on Mesh Decimation

Journal of Advanced Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Informatics ◽

10.20965/jaciii.2018.p0184 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 184-193

Author(s):

Qiyun Sun ◽

Wanggen Wan ◽

Xiang Feng ◽

Guoliang Chen ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Real Time ◽

Deformation Method ◽

Computer Animations ◽

Skin Deformation ◽

Time Performance ◽

Mesh Model ◽

Mesh Decimation ◽

Animation Software ◽

Mesh Models

Skeleton based skin deformation methods are widely used in computer animations, with the help of some animation software, like 3D Studio Max and Maya. Most of these animation methods are based on linear blending skinning algorithm and its improved versions, showing good real-time performance. However, it is difficult for new users to use these complicated softwares to make animation. In this paper, we focus on surface based mesh deformation methods. We use spokes and rims deformation method to animate mesh models. However, this method shows poor real-time performance with high-resolution mesh models. We propose a novel animation method based on mesh decimation, making it possible to animate high-resolution mesh models in real time with the spokes and rims method. In this way, users only need to control the movement of handles to acquire intuitively reasonable animation of arbitrary mesh model. It is easier and more convenient for users to make their own animation. The experimental results show that the proposed animation method is feasible and effective and shows great real-time performance.

Download Full-text

Algorithms for automated montage synthesis of images from laser-scanning confocal microscopes

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100139627 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 53 ◽

pp. 650-651

Author(s):

D. E. Becker

Keyword(s):

Image Analysis ◽

High Resolution ◽

Laser Scanning ◽

Cell Counting ◽

Wide Area ◽

Data Set ◽

Computational Synthesis ◽

Automated Cell Counting ◽

Partial View ◽

The Individual

An efficient, robust, and widely-applicable technique is presented for computational synthesis of high-resolution, wide-area images of a specimen from a series of overlapping partial views. This technique can also be used to combine the results of various forms of image analysis, such as segmentation, automated cell counting, deblurring, and neuron tracing, to generate representations that are equivalent to processing the large wide-area image, rather than the individual partial views. This can be a first step towards quantitation of the higher-level tissue architecture. The computational approach overcomes mechanical limitations, such as hysterisis and backlash, of microscope stages. It also automates a procedure that is currently done manually. One application is the high-resolution visualization and/or quantitation of large batches of specimens that are much wider than the field of view of the microscope.The automated montage synthesis begins by computing a concise set of landmark points for each partial view. The type of landmarks used can vary greatly depending on the images of interest. In many cases, image analysis performed on each data set can provide useful landmarks. Even when no such “natural” landmarks are available, image processing can often provide useful landmarks.

Download Full-text

Automated high-resolution microscopy: the approaches so far

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100125312 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 45 ◽

pp. 58-61

Author(s):

W. O. Saxton

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Early Stage ◽

Automatic Recording ◽

Microprocessor Control ◽

Alternative Systems ◽

Electron Image ◽

Complete Automation ◽

Analysis System ◽

High Resolution Microscopy

Recent commercial microscopes with internal microprocessor control of all major functions have already demonstrated some of the benefits anticipated from such systems, such as continuous magnification, rotation-free diffraction and magnification, automatic recording of mutually registered focal series, and fewer control knobs. Complete automation of the focusing, stigmating and alignment of a high resolution microscope, allowing focal series to be recorded at preselected focus values as well, is still imminent rather than accomplished, however; some kind of image pick-up and analysis system, fed with the electron image via a TV camera, is clearly essential for this, but several alternative systems and algorithms are still being explored. This paper reviews the options critically in turn, and stresses the need to consider alignment and focusing at an early stage, and not merely as an optional extension to a basic proposal.

Download Full-text

The Samarin Family and the Parish Question in the Russian Empire. 1860s–1910s

Almanac “Essays on Conservatism” ◽

10.24030/24092517-2019-0-2-235-246 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 235-246

Author(s):

Alexey L. Beglov

Keyword(s):

Twentieth Century ◽

Russian Empire ◽

Public Discussion ◽

The Public ◽

The Social ◽

Church Life ◽

The Russian Empire ◽

In The Beginning ◽

The Church ◽

Do So

The article examines the contribution of the representatives of the Samarin family to the development of the Parish issue in the Russian Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The issue of expanding the rights of the laity in the sphere of parish self-government was one of the most debated problems of Church life in that period. The public discussion was initiated by D.F. Samarin (1827-1901). He formulated the “social concept” of the parish and parish reform, based on Slavophile views on society and the Church. In the beginning of the twentieth century his eldest son F.D. Samarin who was a member of the Special Council on the development the Orthodox parish project in 1907, and as such developed the Slavophile concept of the parish. In 1915, A.D. Samarin, who took up the position of the Chief Procurator of the Most Holy Synod, tried to make his contribution to the cause of the parish reforms, but he failed to do so due to his resignation.

Download Full-text

The Metamorphosis of Written Devotion in the Age of Vatican II (c. 1948–c. 1998) in Hungary—Guestbooks in Hungarian Marian Shrines

Religions ◽

10.3390/rel12040235 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 235

Author(s):

Krisztina Frauhammer

Keyword(s):

20Th Century ◽

Vatican Ii ◽

Virgin Mary ◽

Combined Effect ◽

Public Realm ◽

The Public ◽

Written Form ◽

Personal Prayer ◽

The Church

This article presents the Hungarian manifestations of a written devotional practice that emerged in the second half of the 20th century worldwide: the rite of writing prayers in guestbooks or visitors’ books and spontaneously leaving prayer slips in shrines. Guestbooks or visitors’ books, a practice well known in museums and exhibitions, have appeared in Hungarian shrines for pilgrims to record requests, prayers, and declarations of gratitude. This is an unusual use of guestbooks, as, unlike regular guestbook entries, they contain personal prayers, which are surprisingly honest and self-reflective. Another curiosity of the books and slips is that anybody can see and read them, because they are on display in the shrines, mostly close to the statue of Virgin Mary. They allow the researcher to observe a special communication situation, the written representation of an informal, non-formalised, personal prayer. Of course, this is not unknown in the practice of prayer; what is new here is that it takes place in the public realm of a shrine, in written form. This paper seeks answers to the question of what genre antecedents, what patterns of behaviour, and which religious practices have led to the development of this recent practice of devotion in the examined period in Hungarian Catholic shrines. In connection with this issue, this paper would like to draw attention to the combined effect of the following three factors: the continuity of traditions, the emergence of innovative elements and the role of the church as an institution. Their parallel interactions help us to understand the guestbooks of the shrines.

Download Full-text

Comparison and Evaluation of Different Pit-Filling Methods for Generating High Resolution Canopy Height Model Using UAV Laser Scanning Data

Remote Sensing ◽

10.3390/rs13122239 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 2239

Author(s):

Ying Quan ◽

Mingze Li ◽

Yuanshuo Hao ◽

Bin Wang

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Laser Scanning ◽

Evaluation Framework ◽

Canopy Height ◽

Filter Method ◽

Individual Tree ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Point Interpolation ◽

Canopy Height Model ◽

Height Model

As a common form of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) in forestry applications, the canopy height model (CHM) provides the elevation distribution of aboveground vegetation. A CHM is traditionally generated by interpolating all the first LiDAR echoes. However, the first echo cannot accurately represent the canopy surface, and the resulting large amount of noise (data pits) also reduce the CHM quality. Although previous studies concentrate on many pit-filling methods, the applicability of these methods in high-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning (UAVLS)-derived CHMs has not been revealed. This study selected eight widely used, recently developed, representative pit-filling methods, namely first-echo interpolation, smooth filtering (mean, medium and Gaussian), highest point interpolation, pit-free algorithm, spike-free algorithm and graph-based progressive morphological filtering (GPMF). A comprehensive evaluation framework was implemented, including a quantitative evaluation using simulation data and an additional application evaluation using UAVLS data. The results indicated that the spike-free algorithm and GPMF had excellent visual performances and were closest to the real canopy surface (root mean square error (RMSE) of simulated data were 0.1578 m and 0.1093 m, respectively; RMSE of UAVLS data were 0.3179 m and 0.4379 m, respectively). Compared with the first-echo method, the accuracies of the spike-free algorithm and GPMF improved by approximately 23% and 22%, respectively. The pit-free algorithm and highest point interpolation method also have advantages in high-resolution CHM generation. The global smooth filter method based on the first-echo CHM reduced the average canopy height by approximately 7.73%. Coniferous forests require more pit-filling than broad-leaved forests and mixed forests. Although the results of individual tree applications indicated that there was no significant difference between these methods except the median filter method, pit-filling is still of great significance for generating high-resolution CHMs. This study provides guidance for using high-resolution UAVLS in forestry applications.

Download Full-text

A Catholic Inclusive Approach to Homosexuality in Nigeria

Theology Today ◽

10.1177/0040573617731710 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 74 (4) ◽

pp. 396-408

Author(s):

Daniel Ude Asue

Keyword(s):

Catholic Church ◽

Social Teaching ◽

Same Sex ◽

Same Sex Marriage ◽

The Public ◽

Public Debates ◽

Inclusive Approach ◽

Inclusive Society ◽

The Church ◽

The Catholic Church

This essay discusses Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill in Nigeria, with a focus on the contribution of the Nigerian Catholic Church to the law. Though the Catholic Church in Nigeria did not actively contribute towards the public debates about homosexuality that resulted into the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill it nevertheless welcomed the bill. However, the official teachings of the Catholic Church and elucidations from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria could potentially contribute to creating an inclusive society. In what way can we potentially utilize the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to make room for an inclusion of homosexual persons in the life of the church and in society?

Download Full-text

New protests in Chile

Index on Censorship ◽

10.1080/03064228208533452 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 17-19

Author(s):

Malcolm Coad

Keyword(s):

Human Rights ◽

Unemployment Rate ◽

Foreign Debt ◽

Public Servants ◽

The Public ◽

Economic Miracle ◽

The World ◽

Per Capita ◽

National Trade ◽

The Church

Chile's military regime in 1982 celebrated its ninth anniversary to the accompaniment of the most widespread and publicly expressed opposition since the coup of 11 September 1973. The collapse of its much-vaunted ‘economic miracle’ … most painfully demonstrated by devastated national industries, an unemployment rate of 25%, and a foreign debt estimated by some economists as the highest per capita in the world … has brought criticism from even the most ardent supporters of General Pinochet. As legal labour representatives became more vocal, leaders of the largest union federation, the National Trade Union Co-ordinating Body (CNS), were jailed, while in February the outspoken President of the Public Servants Union, Tucapel Jimenez, was found dead and mutilated by a roadside near Santiago. In the first six months of this year 837 people were charged with political offences, an increase of more than a third over the same period in 1981, while thousands more were detained on suspicion and reports of torture increased. Relations between the regime and the Church worsened, despite the latter's reining in of some of its human rights activity.

Download Full-text