The complex of San Lorenzo del Chagres in Panama: historical development and survey project for the documentation of the Caribbean fortress

Abstract

[EN] The aim of this research project was the documentation of the San Lorenzo del Chagres fort using integrated survey instruments: thanks to a total station and a camera has been possible to take pictures aiming at virtually modelling the whole building and its architectural elements present in the site. The methodology of structure from motion allows to obtain a reliable geometric model of each part, starting from a sequence of pictures, in witch is integrated the quality of materic aspect given from the texture. Therefore, San Lorenzo del Chagres fort is a case study for new frontier of the representation: starting from a 3D model, acquired through a fast survey, it is possible to obtain each information about the state of preservation of the building with a digital database of the walls, according to the policy of conservation, monitoring and enhancement of that UNESCO cultural heritage.