An easy-to-use multidimensional database for the management of cultural heritage buildings

Multidimensional databases constitute a handy solution to store and display data collected in the fields of conservation and restoration. However, knowledge on the current state of monuments depends on a heterogeneous corpus of data (cartography of degradation/materials, past restoration actions, core samples, photogrammetric data, analysis data, etc.). With the purpose of structuring this large volume of data, visual aspects characterizing the surfaces of heritage buildings can be semantically annotated in NUBES, an information system specific for architecture. Annotations are treated by defining relationships between the 3D elements and their textures. In this way, annotated elements can be displayed and retrieved in the 3D scene. Based on our previous experience, this article proposes a refinement of the data structuring according to time criteria. This time-structuring is applied to the “Chapelle de Fresques” of the Charterhouse of Villeneuve-les-Avignon, and integrates validated thesauri such as the ICOMOS - ISCS glossary and other common use lexica from the conservation field. This protocol is accompanied with customized descriptive tables that contribute to structure the information according to multiple hierarchical levels chosen by the user. The final aim is to give an easy-to-use analysis tool for conservation experts. Data from different time states can be added, current diagnosis states can be supported, and data can be cross-referenced against each other. This interface constitutes the basis of a new predictive tool for conservation management.