Digital methodologies for architectural heritage preservation: integrating photogrammetry, mobile laser scanning, and immersive technologies

This paper presents a digital documentation methodology designed for the conservation and adaptive reuse of built heritage, tested within an international educational framework. The approach integrates photogrammetry, mobile laser scanning (MLS), drone-based imaging, and immersive technologies to generate interactive and metrically reliable digital outputs. Implemented through a collaboration between the University of Pavia and the Polytechnic of Krakow, the methodology was applied to the Hebdowski Palace in Krakow, an abandoned heritage site of architectural significance. The study combines theoretical instruction with practical, on-site data acquisition and post-processing, enabling students to collect, interpret, and visualize spatial and material information using open-source tools. The workflow supports rapid generation of point clouds, 3D models, and immersive environments, suitable for both technical analysis and public engagement. Key results include the creation of a multi-layered digital narrative structured around thematic scenarios, enabling detailed documentation of architectural elements, pathologies, and conservation needs. A 360-degree virtual tour consolidates this output into an accessible digital platform, facilitating both education and heritage valorisation. Beyond its pedagogical role, the research demonstrates how fast, low-cost digital tools can contribute to broader heritage conservation strategies aligned with European frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda and the New European Bauhaus. This methodology promotes an interdisciplinary, open-access model of heritage documentation that bridges academic learning with real-world application, offering a replicable model for similar contexts across Europe.