Real 3D digital method for large-scale cultural heritage sites

Digital preservation of cultural heritage sites has become a global problem. The paper proposes a real 3D digital method for culture heritage sites using 3D laser scanners and CCD cameras. Firstly, we preprocess the laser scans for noise removal and hole filling. Next step is using an improved ICP algorithm we present step-by-step registration to align all range scans into a common coordinate system. And then, we proposed a filtering of 3D data compression and use a volumetric-based algorithm for the construction of a coherent 3D mesh that encloses all range scans. Finally, through texture mapping, we obtain real 3D and real texture models. The example of the construction of the 3D model of buildings and grottos are presented.