From Drone-Based 3D Model to a Web-Based VR Solution Supporting Cultural Heritage Accessibility

Highlights: What are the main findings? The integration of close-range and UAV-based photogrammetry, mobile laser scanning (SLAM), and 360° panoramic images delivers high-resolution, multi-scale digital models of historic buildings in remote or difficult-to-access locations. This supports the precise documentation and analysis of built heritage. A web-based VR platform has been developed to explore the Roccapreturo Tower, facilitating the visualization of complex architectural features and promoting safe and informed planning of on-site visits. What are the implications of the main findings? The designed workflow is scalable and replicable for the digital preservation, documentation, and management of cultural heritage, in order to increase its accessibility to scholars, heritage administrators, and the general public. The integration of multi-sensor survey data into VR applications facilitates the dissemination of heritage, promotes sustainable and safe tourism in inner areas, and supports the development of informed conservation strategies. The safeguarding and enhancement of historic buildings and artifacts in Italy’s inner areas are essential to protect their outstanding cultural value. However, these territories often face complex orographic and environmental conditions that make traditional surveying and documentation challenging. To address these issues, this study proposes a framework for the digitalization and virtual dissemination of architectural heritage aimed at supporting safe and sustainable tourism. The proposed approach integrates unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry with laser scanning to produce three-dimensional models of historic structures. These digital models are then semantically enriched and simplified for use within a web-based virtual reality (VR) platform, enabling interactive learning experiences for increase cultural heritage accessibility. The framework is validated through the case study of the Roccapreturo Tower in Acciano (AQ), located in the inner areas of the Abruzzo region, a landscape characterized by high morphological complexity. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of drone photogrammetry in capturing detailed and accurate representations of cultural heritage assets while ensuring operational efficiency and accessibility. The resulting VR models promote heritage safeguarding and sustainable tourism, confirming the potential of UAV-based technologies in the digital transformation of cultural heritage.