INSPECTION OF HISTORICAL MONUMENT USING FISH TANK VIRTUAL REALITY: A CASE STUDY OF WAT SI PHICHIT KIRATI KANLAYARAM, SUKHOTHAI, THAILAND

Abstract

Preserving historical monuments is vital to safeguarding cultural heritage, yet traditional inspection methods often face challenges such as inaccessibility, subjective evaluation, and insufficient documentation of structural defects. Advancements in virtual reality and photogrammetry offer new opportunities to enhance inspection workflows. This study presents a Fish Tank Virtual Reality application to address the limitations of conventional techniques. The system employs UAV-based image acquisition at a 1 mm/pixel ground sampling distance, ensuring the precise capture of structural details. The application integrates a high-resolution photogrammetry model of a stupa, allowing users to navigate the digital environment and annotate structural defects, such as cracks and erosion. Unlike immersive virtual reality, the FTVR approach ensures accessibility and ease of use while maintaining spatial accuracy. The system fills a critical gap by providing an efficient method for visualizing and documenting structural conditions, supporting informed decision-making in monument preservation. A case study on Wat Si Phichit Kirati Kanlayaram, Sukhothai, Thailand, a stupa, demonstrates the practical utility of the system in identifying and annotating defects, offering a scalable and adaptable application for inspecting diverse historical structures. This research highlights the potential of integrating advanced visualization technologies with photogrammetry to streamline monument inspection workflows, enhancing both the efficiency and reliability of heritage conservation efforts. Additionally, it demonstrates how the FTVR inspection method reduces reliance on physical scaffolding, offering safer and more thorough remote assessments of heritage structures, while paving the way for further innovations in digital heritage preservation.