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al of the Department of
.._.._.._.._4'1111JaA>.L. University, Dhaka
 Pratnatattva
Journal of the Dept. of Archaeology, m
Vol. 14, June 2008: 81-88

Preserving the Architectural Heritage of Bangladesh :

An Approach to Digital Documentation
Author Co-Author
HafiZur Rahaman A.T.M. Masood Reza
Assistant Professor, Architecture Discipline, Assistant Professor, Architecture Discipline,
Khulna University, Khulna Khulna University, Khulna

Co-Author Co-Author
Nurul Kabir S.M. Nazimuddin
M.Phil Researcher Assistant Professor, Architecture Discipline
Dept. of Archaeology Khulna University, Khuln a
JahangirnagarUniversity, Dhaka
Abstract
In a third world country like Bangladesh cultural heritage is often perceived as a luxurious and unnecessary event due to poor
condition of the other basic needs and necessity of the society. This is because of the socio-econornical infrastructure of the country
that always suffers to provide least effort to fulfill basic needs like food, health or shelter. So culture or heritage lies far behind in
the funding policy that results a pitiable condition in the cultural and archaeological scenario of the country. On the other hand due
to deltaic climate of Bengal the archaeological and architectural residues of Bangladesh are threatened by the natural calamities more
than any part of India. Thus, both the economical and natural perspective working against the cultural heritage of Bangladesh
demands more proactive and innovative approaches towards cultural resource management which will balance the equilibrium
among cultural heritage, economical limits and natural diversity. Present paper intends to examine and implement some method and
techniques to conserve the architectural records with the aid of digital documentations and imaging. Different techniques of 'Digital
documentation' developed by 2D CAD drawing and 3D virtual model building technology through image-based modeling, 3D
scanning, image-based rendering etc are may be an alternative solution for preservation and easy virtual documentation of past archi­
tecture. Moreover, some of these computer-based technologies can help other researchers to track changes, foresee structural prob­
lems and see virtually for a wider audience and make 'virtual tour' through these sites. In this paper the researchers discussed some
available methods of digital documentation of historic buildings and investigated their potentialities through systematic case stud­
ies. Finally, the potentialities of digital conservation in Bangladesh have been presented through comparing the results of the case
studies which suggest this kind of documentation are more viable and effective in architectural heritage management in Bangladesh.
Keywords
Architectural heritage, Digital documentation, Photogrammetry, Virtual reconstruction, Image-based modeling, 3D scanning
and data capture.
Introduction possible solution may be introduced in digital method. By means
The ephemeral nature of building material and lack of of digital documentation (both 2D and 3D) we can create a
technological advancement are the back drop behind the less strong database of all of our valuable artifacts and architecture.
sustainability of past architectural evidences of Bengal. Yet the At the same time, with the help of some recent technologies this
ruins and recent excavation shows that this less .sustainable database can be used by preservationists to track changes,
architecture posses unique and significant style and technique foresee structural problems, and for a wider audience to
influenced by deltaic climate, landscape and culture. Due to "virtually" see and tour these sites through web portals
geographical strategic location, topography and climate, Bengal (Rahaman;2005).
was the auspicious ground for development of indigenous This paper investigate the most recent technologies and their
architectural character (Grover; 1996). supported possibilities for preserving . the past architectural
Department of Archaeology, Government of Bangladesh has heritage sites. The aim of the research is to explore the potentials
documented a number of structures and ruins depicting rich and and challenges of conserving and documenting these records in
glorious heritage of Bangladesh. A proper documentation a digital manner. Two case studies have been selected and
program is always a time consuming and big funded project complemented to make possible documentation in two different
which is merely impossible in Bangladesh. Moreover manual or ways to explore the challenges and feasibility in respective field.
traditional architectural documentations like layout drawing, Finally, the potentialities of digital conservation in Bangladesh
photography, listing etc are naturally improvised with human have been presented following the result of the case studies and
error. At the same time it is quite difficult for a government of a the comparison with existing method.
developing country like Bangladesh to preserve and document Digital Documentation
such a big number of buildings dating from different time frame
Different individuals and institutes both locally and internation­
and cattered all over the country due to financial constrains.
. ally are trying to safeguard the cultural heritage sites worldwide
In this reality, a new means of preservation method is necessary. by designating them as areas needing protection. But efforts by
In spite of physical expensive preservation and documentation, a the conservationists, archaeologists and others are not adequate

81
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Pratnatattva
Vol. 14, June 2008
to keep these sites from becoming a fading memory. Once this
treasure is lost, so is lost the chance to study, analyze, or simply
appreciate its impact on society.
Many initiator groups, agencies and research organizations take
measure to create 3D virtual environment of heritage sites and
buildings as a resource of understand ing, further research and a
good communication tools for mass awareness program.
The digital representation of data and its results can make the
virtual environment or Virtual reconstitution of urban and
Figure. 01 : A 3D view of a bay of Rome's Coliseum.
(Source: Gaiani, et a!., 2000)
Figure. 03 : The monolithic structure of Bet Gyorgis
(Source: Ruther & Gruen, 2001)
82
architectural elements of historic sites. The 3D models permit
realistic rendering and multi-perspective views of monuments .in
their present condition and situation. Modeling will also allow
projection of the effects of active restoration and conservation
schemes. The graphic displays of heritage sites and monuments,
as they are at the moment and as they may once have been,
permits world-wide dissemination to a variety of audiences. This
can be achleved by means of the World Wide Web, publication
on CD- Rom or DVD, or in printed form.
Figure. 02: This digital model of a walled temple complex at
Phimai, Thailand, was created using Autodesk's AutoCAD and
Discreet's 30 Studio Viz software. (source : Levy, 2001)
Figure. 04 : Virtual Reality models bet Gyorgis .
(Source: Ruther & Gruen; 2001)
 ��
Pratnatattva
Vol. 14, June 2008

At the beginning of 21st century, Bangladesh needs this type of Even the output may seems very similar from traditional
advance method of documentation of heritage sites. Digital drafting and CAD based drafting, but the benefit of
documented format of the heritage sites can also create manipulating, altering, copying of any part·or whole drawing at
awareness program within remote or adjacent communities more anytime is quite impossible in first case. That means CAD based
effectively. For example, Paharpur Monastry may not be digital drawing has a wider range of flexibility 'in drawing
familliar to different people living different parts of the country, manipulation.
but with the aid of geuerd digital documentation, a view of the
site can be transmitted throughout the world with its image and
identity which will also potentially increases tourism in the such
places.

The different methods and techniques of digital documentation

�
•
�
are used for the different research studies with different
approaches like 2D CAD drawing and 3D virtual model building 11111111 Ill
technology through image-based modeling, 3D scanning and
image-based rendering to relate the spatial data through GIS and
UlUllll ll1
others. In particular means, measured drawings which depict the vei·abdt\h I
structure in floor plans, elevations, sections, or site plans, s
.rvi.
enhance the sites and buildfng as primary resource. Placing these p==
drawings with associating photographs, documents, and survey 'Dinioa
eu..tl>cd
information, can create the virtual environment of the sites and Livioy
buildings. Thus the digital documentation offers a new way to '===
examine these resources in rela-tionship to each other or � I
reestablish the historic context of these structures in particular --
context to provide more informative research tool. ve:rand.a-h

Here, a flow chart explains the different means of digital - - - - -

documentation and relate the explanation in later stage. Ill • • II

Figure. 07: Ground Floor Plan, produced with AutoDesk's AutoCAD

'

[-;���������----]

Laser Scanning_j
Figure. OS: Flow diagram of different means of digital documentation.

1. 2D or Two-dimensional digital documentation:

Traditionally, plans, elevations, sections,
perspectives and photographs are the basic ·means of 2D
documentation. In conventional architectural surveys collection
of basic information regarding structures includes basic
conditions, integrity, form of the structure and identifying
features. Reconnaissance surveys take a more cursory to look at
building, collects only the minimum of data, while an intensive
level survey would involve investigating a structure's interior,
associated features as well as the background and history of a
structure or group of structures. The objects are measured first
and then documentec:i through a drafting board by means of
paper and pen. But in a digital manner we can draw any object
or building by tracing photograph through CAD software (eg:
Auto CAD, Archi CAD etc). In this way, a photograph comes
out from a digital camera or scanned through a scanner.
axonometric,
Figure. 06: F ro nt view of 'Pongu Hospital, Khulna
Case Study 01: .
To understand the basic of 2D digital documentation we have
selected "Pongu Hospital, Khulna" (fig. 06). In this project field
survey followed by digital photographic survey was cond'ucted
to collect all necessary measurement and detailed photograph.
Drawings were then prepared with Auto CAD software from the
measurement found through field survey. Some parts of the
buildings eg: column capital, railing was traced digitally through
importing those photographs (in scale) into CAD program.

83
�§
Pratnatattva
Vol. 14, June 2008

Also in advancement of digital scanning, researchers can now

produce realistic 3D replicas of antiquities. The digital image of
a clay tablet from Mesopotamia is shown in Figure 09.

According to Rahaman (Rahaman; 2005) all the three ways

( Geometric modeling, Photogrammetry and Laser scanning) of
digital documentation comprises appropriate methods in
different context. However, he claims that Laser Scanning
technology provides the most accurate 3D virtual model but it
is the most expensive techniques as it requires sophisticated
machineries. On the other hand 'Photogramettery' is the most
ease techniques but it needs relatively high resolution
photograph from specific angles and expensive software.
However, Geometric modeling techniques is the simplest but it
-is the most laborious and time intensive among the mentioned
process.
Figure. 08: North Elevation of 'Pongu Hospital, Khulna', Digitally
Case Study 02:
drawn with AutoDesk's AutoCAD program by tracing photograph.
In this study we have chosen the "Geometric modeling tech­
2. 3D or Three-dimensional digital documentation: niques " to build a 3D model of a historic building. As a case
The act of 3D computer graphics in preserving ·historical sites study we have selected "the Dakbanglow" building of Khulna
has grown significantly during the past decade. This expansion city due to its historical significance. Literally the word
can be attributed to advances in scanning techniques, virtual 'Dakbanglow' means 'rest house'. When Khulna 'Paurosova' was
reality, computing power, established in 1884; a demand of a rest-house was raised for the
r-------.
3D modeling tools, 'Tax Collector' of British Government from Calcutta, India. To
presentation devices, and meet this demand, this building was built by 'Zilla Porishod' in
other related technologies, 1885 (Bari; 1979).
which have made it
possible to virtually In order to make a geometric model of Dakbanglow
re-create antiquities and building, the following steps have been followed:
buildings (Rashid; 2005).

Through digital means, Physical survey and

manual Data entry to Mesh modeling Rendering for
however, culturally
significant sites can be
measurement in
drawing sheet I• CAD program
I• I• photorealism

documented and preserved

Step OJ Step 02 Step 03 Step 04
by archiving them to
Figure 10: The process of 3D modeling in 'Geometric modeling techniques'.
computer memory so that
these wonders of the past In order to make a geometric model of Dakbanglow building, the
can be enjoyed by present following steps have been implemented:s
and future generations.
At first a physical exploration along with digital photographic
Figure 02 shows the digital
survey was conducted to collect all measurement to draw accurate
model of a walled temple
drawings. Then digital drawing (plan, elevation, sections etc.) were
complex at Phimai,
prepared with AutoDesk's 'AutoCAD' program. Two dimensional
Thailand. The image was
created by using softwares, digital drawings are then imported to 3D Studio Max software for

AutoDesk's AutoCAD and three dimensional modeling. As· the nature of the building was

3D Studio Max (Levy; simple in plan and details; it was preferred to work with 'Polygonal
Figure. 09: 3d replica of a clay tablet
2001). The program was from Mesopotamia, believed to be modeling techniques' with Boolean editing option; supported by
a
originally developed as a sales contract from 3000 B.C. this software (3D Studio Max). It is also possible to work with other
promo tional and educa- (Source : Alonzo; 2000) techniques like: Nurb modeling or Patch modeling (Rahaman;
tiona! tool. Later the image, 2007), but Polygonal modefing was suitable in this.case for its wider
enlarged to life-size wa� found extremely helpful and effective possibility of mesh editing. Finally, the 3D drawing was imported
in creating virtual environment for the common people and to to 'Sketch up' software (free version provided by Google) for
fmd out reconstruction options by the conservationists.
rendering with material and light.

84
 MP§
Pratnatattva
Vol. 14, June 2008

ii)
--CUI CICI --1:1-·------"
--- -

GROUND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

Figure 11: Plans are drawn with Auto CAD.

EAST ELEVATION SOUTH ELEVATION

Figure 12: Elevations are drawn with details with Auto CAD.

Figure 13: 3D mesh model without assigning material from 3D Studio Max.

85
.!a�
Pratnatattva
L 14, June.2008

Figure 14: Axonometric view of 3D model with material assigned from Sketchup.

Summery of works: • Detailed 3D models (DTM) of selected individual sur­

The methods and techniques used for the study may be summarized faces
as bellow: • 3D models with grey scale (BW or colour photography)
1. 2D representations surfaces generated from ortho images
• as-built ground plans of structures 3. Reconstructed 3D model of original structure derived from
remaining ruins
• topographic maps of immediate surrounding areas
4. Virtual Reality models (VRML)
• elevation plans of facades showing building
• Walk-in capability
-outlines, windows, doors, ledges etc.
• Fly-through capability
• elevation plans with some detail (individual stones,orna­
• Scenario simulations (varying light, moon, sun, torch
ments, coats of arms, column capitals etc.)
light, vegetation, landscape etc.)
• _sections through structures
• ortho images or rectified images of individual surfaces In this study we have digitally documented two historical buildings
at Khulna, Bangladesh. Different instrument and state of art
2. 3D models
software were used for this purpose. Due to inadequate financial
• 3D line drawings/wire frames with limited detail (struc­
support this study followed the most inexpensive one. From our
ture outlines, windows, doors)
observation the minimum requirement of labor and facilities that is
• 3D line drawings/wire frames with more detail (individual
required for any digital documenting can be explained from this fol­
stones, ornaments, coats of arms, column capitals etc )
lowing table:
• 3D models with solid (computer-generated) surfaces

Table : 01 . Required Labor and techniCal facilities for digital documentation

SL Particulars of works Remarks

g
-o
c
0

-� OJ Building survey Required 2/3 days with 1500-2000 Tk./case study

., .,
�
;.,c:
C: E
"' "' 02 Photography Required digital camera (price limit 10,000-20,000 Tk.)
Cl)

03 Drawing Preparation (2D) Required Labor cost: drafting- 400- 500 Tk. per drawing.
Required Software: AutoCAD, Archi CAD etc. (up to 4,000 USD)

c:
04 Converting 2D from 3D Required Labor cost: Approx. 2000 Tk. to more.
0
. .
(Depends upon project complexity)
:§ Required Software: 3D Studio Max, Maya; Rhino 3D, Alias Wavefront etc.
]
'bb (up to 3,500 USD)
0
05 Digital Rendering Required Labor cost: Aoorox. 2000 to more.
-
(Depends upon project complexity)
Required Software: SketchUp*, 3D Studio Max, Maya, Rhino 3D,
Alias Wavefront etc.

* Google provides SketchUp as freeware.

86

Conclusion
Bangladesh, situated in the eastern matrix of Bengal poses the
architecture from early historic period to colonial era covering
various styles and approach. Hundreds of sites rich in
architectural heritage are scattered all around the country. Some of
these have unique characteristic bur due to lack of awareness and
proper maintenance these valuable records are being destroyed and
declined day by day. It is clear that conventional reconstruction and
preservation systems are time consuming and expensive, moreover,
without highly skilled technical personnel, it proved futile. In such
situations an economic and flexible technique of conservation and
documentation is inevitable for Bangladesh.
A 3D model or virtual model of a site or building not only provides
some 'documentation' but also opens the possibilities for future
research for preservationists as well as architects and historians.
Even the interactive development of the 3D model can empower the
archaeologists to study, research and construct their models for
further studying and reconstruction. In this way new knowledge and
better understanding about the investigated building can be attained
and updated gradually. An online documentation based digital data
can be an useful element for wider audience to "virtually" see and
tour these sites and to obtain better understanding of the history of
Bangladesh from a remote place of any part of the world.
In this paper some recent techniques of digital documentations has
been discussed. It has found that a drawing, prepared 'digitally' in a
2D format provides more flexibility for future modification. On the
other hand, in 3D documentation, 'Laser Scanning' is expensive and
'Photogramettery' requires expertise and technical knowledge.
W here as, 'Geometric modeling' is more appropriate for in '3D
digital documentation' cause ease and cost effectiveness. Though
this method requires more time and labor, yet we believe this would
be the most suitable method for reconstruction of 3D virtual
environment of the heritage sites of Bangladesh. Initially, some sort
of financial investment is required to get those modeling software,
but once we have, the software can be used for a long time.
Moreover, many institutes of Bangladesh like Archeological
Department, 'Chetona' and other have already manually
documented many historical buildings. These drawings can be used
as the basis for 3D digital documentation of those buildings or sites.
The authors expect, this study will help the authority and related
personnel to understand the importance of preserving built heritage
in the means of suitable techniques of 'Digital Documentation'.
References
. Alonzo, Addison., Chris, Pramuk. and Vic, Baker., 2000. "Bringing
High Technology to Ancient Culture in the Kilmartin Valley"
in the conference on "Kilmartin Valley Documentation
Expedition", Scotland., 21 - 24 August, 2000.
Bari, K.G.M. Latiful (ed.). 1979. Bangladesh District Gazetteers
Khulna. Bangladesh Government Press, Dhaka.
Grover, S., 1996. Islamic architecture in India. Galgotia publica­
tion, New Delhi.
Rahaman, Hafizur and Sharma, B. B.; 2005. "Some Thoughts on
Digital Documentation and its Application for Preserving the
Architectural heritage of Bangladesh" in Plan Pl\IS (ISSN 1608-
7844) A journal for Planning, Development, Urbanization and
Environmenl Volume: 03 Number: 01, June, pp-11-21.
�p;;f
Pratnatattva
Vol. 14, June 2008
Rahaman, Hafizur. and Hossain, Sk. Maruf, 2007. "Representation
of formal and Spatial Analysis in Computational Media : A
case study of National Assembly Building in Dhaka" in Khulna
·
University Studies. May 2007.
Rashid, Md. Mizanur. , 2005. "Learning from the past - The case for
a virtual reconstruction of the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery".
In: Proceedings of Architecture overcoming constraints,
Dhaka, l l-13th June 2005. pp. 157-160.
Ruther, H. Fraser, C & Gruen, A. 2001 The recording of Bet Giorgis,
a 12th Century rock-hewn church in Et!Jiopia. International
Workshop on Recreating· the Past "Visualization and
Animation of Cultural Heritage". Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Levy, Richard., 2001. "Temple Site at Phimai, Modeling for the
Scholar and the Tourist", VSMM Conference Proceedings,
IEEE, pp. 147-158.
Gaiani, Marco., Balzani, Marcello., and Uccelli, Federico,2000.
Reshaping the Coliseum in Rome. Computer Graphics Forum
19 (3):
Notes
i. 3D Laser Scanner Technology is also named ''real-scene copy­
ing technology", and it can be used as scanning operation in
any complex environment or space. It can directly collect 3D
data of any large-scale, complex, irregular, standard or
non-standard objeet or scene to computers, and then quickly
rebuild 3D model and cartography data such as line, surface,
body and space. Tentative price : 3D Laser scanner : $20,000
to $30,000, Supporting Software : $ 9,000 to $10,000 (Source
: http: //www. alignritetool.cornl 3dlaser.htm, http: //www.
3d-scanner.net/prices.html Date: 25t\1 May,2007)
ii. Photogrammetry, as its name implies, is a 3-dimensional
coordinate measuring technique that uses photographs as the
fundamental medium for metrology (or measurement). The
fundamental principle used by Photogrammetry is triangula­
tion. By taking photographs from at least two different
locations, so-called "lines of sight" can be developed from each
camera to point on the object. These lines of sight (sometimes
called rays owing to their optical nature) are mathematically
intersected to produce the 3-dimensional coordinates of the
points of interest. Triangulation is also the principle used by
theodolites for coordinate measurement. Even closer to home,
triangulation is also the way that human eyes work together to
gauge distance (called depth perception).
iii. Polygonal model/objects are constructed by arranging
triangles of various sizes and orienta-tions, called faces. Eacb
face is made up
of three sides (or
edges) and at the
ends of each
edge are points
known as
vertices. A line
(vertex) for
example is
 �§
Pratnatattva
Vol. 14, June 2008

known with its begin point (x,y,z), endpoint (x,y,z). A surface

is known with the contouring vertices of its perimeter and the
coordinates of the beginning and endpoint of each vertex. A
volume is known by its delimiting polygons and their con­
touring vertices, which are most of the cases are described in
clockwise order.

iv. Boolean editing is a powerful way of making complicated

geometry relatively simply by combining existing geometry
through Boolean logic. The Boolean tool currently works on
two objects, one of which must be solid.

v. Recent days the most popular modeling technology is NURBS

(Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline) modeling. Because, NURBS
modeling excels at smooth surfaces but can also do sharp edges
very well. NURBS surfaces are denned by a series of curves
and control points. Like patches, NURBS allow to create
complex detail.

vi. Patches, short for Bezier patches, represent another surface

modeling tech-nology available in recent 3D modeling
software. Rather than being constructed from faces, patch-es
are defined by their boundaries.

vii. A polygon mesh or unstructured grid is a collection of vertices

and polygons that define the shape of a polyhedral object in 3D
computer graphics. A mesh usually consists of triangles,
quadrilaterals or other simple convex polygons.

viii. An Architectural research group documented several heritage

buildings and structures of Bangladesh.

88

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